Throne vs. Throne: Ooni and Alaafin in Rare Public Dispute Over Title. A Tale of Two Thrones

A recent diplomatic communique has exposed a significant rift within the highest ranks of Yoruba traditional leadership. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, issued a formal letter to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, concerning the chieftaincy title "Okanlomo of Yorubaland."

The title was conferred on the former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at a public event in Ilorin on December 11, 2020. The Alaafin's letter, dated December 15, 2020, and verified by numerous news outlets including Punch and Vanguard Newspapers, expressed strong disapproval. It questioned the propriety of a non-Yoruba monarch bestowing a Yoruba title and demanded the Ooni provide clarifications within 48 hours regarding his presence and support of the event.

The Ooni's response, communicated through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, was unequivocal. He characterized the Alaafin’s ultimatum as "a comedy skit" and "empty," stating that the Ooni was not accountable to the Alaafin and owed him no explanation. The Ooni's palace framed the Ilorin event as a celebration of national unity, emphasizing Sanusi's role as a bridge between cultures.

This exchange highlights the complex and often contentious historical hierarchy between the two ancient thrones. The Ooni of Ife is traditionally regarded as the spiritual head of the Yoruba people, tracing lineage to Oduduwa, the mythic progenitor. The Alaafin of Oyo historically wielded political and military power as the head of the Oyo Empire. This incident underscores the ongoing negotiation of influence and protocol between these pivotal institutions in modern times.

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