The long-standing rivalry surrounding cultural authority and traditional influence between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has taken on a fresh dimension following the recent conferment of a prestigious title on Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The installation ceremony, held about two weeks prior, attracted a high-profile audience. Distinguished personalities present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and several traditional rulers from different parts of Nigeria and the Benin Republic. The gathering underscored the political and cultural weight attached to the title.
Notably, this event occurred barely a month after the Ooni of Ife, during an elaborate traditional ceremony, installed Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, a prominent Ibadan-based businessman, as Okanlomo Oodua. The proximity of both installations has continued to fuel debate, with many observers interpreting the developments as a subtle contest for influence.
Traditionally, the Okanlomo title holder is expected to serve as a cultural ambassador of the Yoruba people, offer counsel to the monarch, promote unity among Yoruba communities, and contribute to the advancement of education, social welfare, and collective development.
The Alaafin’s camp insisted that titles bearing jurisdiction over the entire Yoruba land fall exclusively under the authority of the Alaafin, citing a Supreme Court ruling in support of this claim. The Ooni was reportedly given a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw the title or face consequences.
Part of the statement emphasized that conferring such a title outside the Alaafin’s authority disregarded the apex court’s decision and undermined the revered institution of the Oyo throne.
However, following what appeared to be a resolution of the disagreement, Oba Owoade proceeded to install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland. Many have interpreted this move as a symbolic reassertion of authority and a strategic response to earlier events. Admirers of the President’s son welcomed the decision, while analysts continued to dissect its broader implications.
On October 25, a peace meeting involving leading Yoruba monarchs was convened by renowned businessman and philanthropist Kessington Adebutu as part of activities marking his birthday celebration. The meeting was aimed at resolving the tensions arising from the competing Okanlomo titles.
At the gathering, the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo appeared to reach a common understanding. The outcome was the announcement of the formation of the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity (JCUY), a body established to encourage peace, protect cultural heritage, and promote economic and social development across Yorubaland.
In a communiqué signed by the royal fathers, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, both monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to unity, respect, and cooperation.
The communiqué described the moment as historic, stressing a shared determination to foster harmony among Yoruba people and uphold the values of brotherhood handed down by their ancestors.
Despite this reconciliation, the decision to install Seyi Tinubu reportedly surprised many observers. The move has reignited public discourse about an age-long rivalry between the two royal stools—one that predates the current occupants and has shaped Yoruba traditional politics for decades.
Some commentators described the Alaafin’s decision as tactically astute, suggesting it could signal a shift toward shared authority in the conferment of titles that carry pan-Yoruba significance.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reactions varied widely. An X user, Abraham Kowo, argued that sustainable peace would only be achieved if titles referencing Yorubaland or Oduduwa were jointly conferred by both monarchs.
Conversely, another commentator, Steven, questioned the historical basis of such an arrangement, asking when the Ooni ever conferred titles representing the entire Yoruba land.
Another user, Ade, criticized Seyi Tinubu’s acceptance of the title, pointing out that a similar title had already been conferred by the Ooni. He suggested the development was another episode in the recurring rivalry between both traditional leaders.
Meanwhile, Akewugberu Damilola opined that both monarchs were asserting dominance within their respective domains, noting that the Ooni appeared to be ahead in influence.
Providing historical context, renowned Ifa priest and traditional authority, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, explained in a recent interview that the rivalry between the Alaafin and the Ooni dates back to the colonial era. According to him, political interference over the years further deepened the divide.
Elebuibon recalled the intense rivalry between the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, noting that it nearly rendered the Yoruba Council of Obas ineffective in the former Oyo State.
He added that disagreements over who held consenting authority in the appointment of certain monarchs—before the creation of Osun State—also contributed to the tension. Politically, he noted, the lack of unity between both royal figures weakened the Yoruba nation’s collective influence.
Elebuibon urged restraint and cooperation, warning that ongoing supremacy struggles do not serve the global interests of the Yoruba people. He emphasized that unity and development should take precedence over rivalry, stressing that continued conflicts only bring embarrassment to Yoruba communities both at home and in the diaspora.
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