Correspondent Yinka Adeniran traces the root cause of the confrontation between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ibadan business mogul, Chief Dotun Sanusi.
The hitherto peaceful relationship between two foremost traditional rulers in the Southwest- Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is being threatened . No thanks to a chieftaincy title—Okanlomo of Yorubaland conferred by Oba Ogunwusi on Ibadan, Oyo State business mogul Dotun Sanusi.
The rift, which borders on jurisdiction and authority, has become a subject of interest and controversy between various stakeholders.
Specifically, the Alaafin, did not hide his displeasure with the Ooni over the chieftaincy title. He issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Oba Ogunwusi to revoke it.
According to the Alaafin, the Ooni does not have the right to confer any traditional title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone—a right, he said is exclusively vested in him and backed by the laws of the land.
However, investigations by The Nation revealed that the plan to confer the title on Sanusi was first announced about five years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was at a birthday reception organized for Sanusi, which had the Ooni in attendance. Sanusi had earlier paid him a courtesy visit at his palace.
According to sources, Oba Ogunwusi, in his welcome address during the visit, described Sanusi as someone who shares several qualities with him, aside from being his birthday mate. He added that Sanusi’s contributions to community and humanitarian development in Oyo State deserved recognition.
At the event, the Ooni announced that the Mogaji of the Olugbade family would be installed as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland as soon as the pandemic was over.
After the exchange of gifts between Sanusi and the monarch, Sanusi left Ile-Ife for Ibadan, where dignitaries were already waiting for him that day.
The controversial title
Five years after the announcement—precisely on Saturday, August 16—while politicians and political stakeholders were voting during the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, family, friends, and associates of Sanusi gathered at the Ilaji International Hotel and Resort, Akanran, to witness and celebrate the installation.
It could not be confirmed why the conferment took five years after the Ooni’s announcement in 2020.
At the ceremony, the monarch unveiled the nation’s first indigenous social media and business networking platform, 2GEDA.
Delivering an address on behalf of the Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, welcomed the Ooni of Ife, traditional rulers, and dignitaries to Ibadan for the landmark event.
In his speech, the Ooni of Ife lauded Sanusi for what he described as his unwavering love for Yorubaland and Nigeria at large. He described him as a true son of Ibadan, whose commitment to the cultural and economic growth of the Yoruba race is unparalleled.
He thereafter confirmed Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
Roll call at the ceremony
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent monarchs, including the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo, a member of the House of Representatives, Remi Oseni; Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, a lawyer; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); and service chiefs.
Other dignitaries at the event included Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State; Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, Chairman, Ona Ara Local Government; the Ibadan Mogajis, led by Oloye Asimiyu Ariori; Babs Oduyoye, former member, House of Representatives; Alhaji YK Abbas, Babaloja-General of Oyo State; Iyaloja Saratu Aduke; Asiwaju Nurudeen Akinade; Mogaji Abass Oloko; Mogaji Oladosu Ademola, Executive Vice Chairman, PTS Oyo State; and Mr. Taiwo Adisa, former Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, among others.
Market leaders, the Yoruba Youth Council, led by Aare Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, the JDS Support Group, and several socio-political movements attended the event.
The man Sanusi
Sanusi is a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and sports enthusiast. He is the CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, a multi-billion-naira hospitality and sporting facility located in Ibadan.
Sanusi has invested in various sectors, including education, oil and gas, and real estate.
His entrepreneurial journey spans over two decades, with experience in prominent companies like Halliburton Nigeria Limited and Saipem Drilling. Sanusi has also established several institutions, including ICAST Group of Schools and TNL Drilling Services. His business ventures have earned him recognition and respect in Nigeria’s business community.
Apart from his business pursuits, Sanusi is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in Oyo State. He has initiated programmes to empower young entrepreneurs, supported education, and contributed to community development projects.
Sanusi’s philanthropy has endeared him to many, and he is widely respected for his generosity.
Sanusi has also been mentioned in the context of Oyo State politics, particularly his potential governorship aspirations.
However, there is no clear indication of his political affiliation or official declaration ofinterestt.
As a prominent figure, Sanusi’s involvement in politics could significantly impact the state’s political landscape.
In addition to his business and philanthropic pursuits, Sanusi has been recognized for his contributions to traditional institutions.
He was recently elevated to the position of Jagun Olubadan of Ibadan, a prestigious traditional chieftaincy title. This honour reflects his standing in the community and his commitment to Ibadan’s development.
Sanusi’s elevation to the Bada Olubadan-designate position has also generated interest in his potential role in Oyo State’s traditional and political spheres.
Alaafin’s Objection
Although the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, was alive when the initial pronouncement of the title was made in 2020, little was heard of his rejection or reaction to the move.
However, Oba Owoade’s anger stems from what he described as an affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, who holds the exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland.
He urged the Ooni to revoke the Okanlomo title within 48 hours or face the consequences.
In a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said: “The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has been drawn to the purported conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on business tycoon Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
“The conferment of a chieftaincy title concerning Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is an affront to the revered institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland and holds the exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title covering the entire Yorubaland.
“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check him and call him to order. Because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s back, including the Supreme Court, which has ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer such titles.
“The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi during his installation specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three: Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South.
“The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to the test. The Alaafin demands the revocation of the so-called Okanlomo title within 48 hours or consequences will follow.”
Ibadan stakeholders kick
In a swift reaction, Ibadan stakeholders, including traditional leaders and prominent sons and daughters, opposed the Alaafin’s ultimatum.
They described it as an attack on Ibadanland and its people, insisting that the Alaafin has no right to interfere in the Ooni’s decision.
They noted that the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi was alive when the Ooni first pronounced the title on Sanusi and he never opposed it.
The President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, urged Yorubas to call the Alaafin to order. They claimed that the Alaafin’s behavior had been irrational since he ascended the throne, and that his actions were a provocation to the people of Ibadan.
They argued that an attack on the Bada Olubadan-designate, Sanusi, was an attack on the entire ancient city.
The stakeholders also highlighted the cordial relationship between the late Alaafin Adeyemi and Sanusi, noting that the late monarch never opposed Sanusi’s title. They expressed surprise at the current Alaafin’s opposition and warned that it could embarrass Yorubaland.
APC chieftain makes case for peace
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, appealed to the two foremost monarchs to prioritize peace, unity, and diplomacy in their engagements .
He emphasized that the revered thrones of the Ooni and Alaafin carry the weight of history, legacy, and responsibility, requiring wisdom, patience, and mutual respect in handling disputes.
Their actions, he noted, set precedents for millions of Yoruba people.
Mumuni urged them to remember their shared ancestry and allow diplomacy and patience to guide their interactions.
He advised that they channel their influence toward cultural, social, and economic collaborations that would strengthen Yoruba identity and unity.
Mumuni urged the monarchs to place the collective interest of the Yoruba above rivalry, stressing that their leadership has the potential not only to unite Yorubaland but also to project harmony across Nigeria.
Uncertainty looms
With bated breath, as the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin expires today, it remains uncertain the consequences that would follow or unfold between the two traditional and spiritual heavyweights.
Observers believe that the dispute has revived the age-old question of traditional supremacy between the Alaafin and the Ooni—while the Alaafin claims political supremacy, the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual leader of the Yoruba.
The confrontation has raised concerns about its implications for unity and peace in Yorubaland.
