The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has expressed concern over the ongoing clashes between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, suggesting that both monarchs may be under a spiritual spell.
Speaking on the matter, the association’s president, Oluseyi Atanda, said rituals may be necessary to restore peace between the two revered Yoruba traditional rulers.
Popular Ifa priest and poet, Ifayemi Elebuibon, also confirmed that traditionalists have been offering sacrifices to promote unity in Yorubaland, describing the feud as needless and damaging to the Yoruba heritage.
The dispute resurfaced after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi at an event in Ibadan. The Alaafin, through a statement by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, opposed the decision, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the title to be revoked. He argued that only the Alaafin has the authority to bestow titles covering the entire Yoruba nation.
In response, Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said the monarch had chosen to ignore the ultimatum and leave the matter to “the court of public opinion.”
Atanda warned that the quarrel could escalate into a larger crisis if not addressed.
“The two monarchs are traditionalists, wealthy, and influential. What is the reason for this quarrel? This may be the work of those who do not want Yoruba unity. If care is not taken, other monarchs will take sides, and the matter could spiral,” he said.
Elebuibon also urged the monarchs to focus on the development of Yorubaland rather than supremacy battles.
“What should concern them is the progress of our people. Criminals from outside are threatening our land, and yet we are wasting energy on supremacy disputes. This is embarrassing to the Yoruba race globally,” he stated.
Insiders at the Alaafin’s palace confirmed that while the ultimatum has expired, Oba Owoade is not considering fresh legal action, pointing instead to an existing Supreme Court ruling on the matter. The monarch has, however, instructed his aides to avoid making inflammatory comments, while Yoruba elders continue to mediate behind the scenes.
Sources close to the Ooni’s palace indicated that Oba Ogunwusi remains calm and has no intention of engaging in a prolonged conflict.
For now, traditionalists and community leaders are intensifying reconciliation efforts to prevent the feud from escalating into a wider crisis within Yorubaland.