Ooni’s Aide Dismisses Alaafin’s Ultimatum as ‘Empty Threat,’ Moba Monarch Denies Title Conferment

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the spokesperson for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Mr. Moses Olafare, rejected a 48-hour ultimatum from the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to revoke the alleged conferment of the “Oluomo of Yorubaland” title on Ibadan-based businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi, calling it an “empty threat from a dead empire,” as reported by Vanguard and The Nation. Olafare, via WhatsApp, accused the Alaafin of engaging in a baseless supremacy battle while the Ooni focuses on initiatives like the Ojaja Smart City project in Ibadan, which aims to create 50,000 jobs (Blueprint.ng). The Alaafin had claimed exclusive rights to confer Yoruba-wide titles, citing a Supreme Court ruling and arguing that the Ooni’s authority is limited to Ife Central, North, and South LGAs (Leadership.ng).

Meanwhile, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, dismissed claims that the Ooni conferred the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title, stating in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Akogun Banjo Ayinde, that no evidence supports such an action, per Punch. The Oore challenged the Alaafin’s allegations as “unfounded” and affirmed the Ooni’s authority as the “Natural Father of the Yoruba race” to bestow titles if necessary (Daily Post). The dispute, rooted in historical rivalries, has sparked concerns over Yoruba unity, with 62% of Yorubaland’s traditional leaders advocating for reconciliation, per a 2024 cultural survey (Tribune). X posts from @YorubaHeritage (August 19, 2025) supported the Ooni, while @OyoVoice backed the Alaafin, reflecting divided sentiments amid ongoing mediation efforts by Yoruba elders (Sahara Reporters).