The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has expressed deep concern over the renewed rivalry between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
The association’s president, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, speaking on Friday, suggested that both monarchs might be under a spell and called for rituals to restore peace.
He warned that the feud, if unresolved, could divide Yoruba monarchs and escalate into a wider crisis.
“The two monarchs are traditionalists. What could have caused the fight? May we not be under a spell in Yorubaland. What is happening could be from some people who don’t want the Yoruba race to unite,” Atanda said.
Renowned Ifa priest and poet, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, also weighed in, describing the feud as needless.
He disclosed that sacrifices were already being offered to secure peace, stressing that it was a “disgrace” for the two foremost Yoruba monarchs to engage in a supremacy battle instead of focusing on development.
The dispute reignited on August 16 after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi in Ibadan.
The Alaafin rejected the move, insisting he alone had the authority to bestow titles covering the entire Yorubaland. He subsequently issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the title be revoked.
Although the deadline has elapsed, aides from both palaces have declined further comments, citing ongoing peace interventions by Yoruba elders at home and abroad.
Palace insiders revealed that Oba Owoade is unlikely to initiate fresh legal action but may rely on an existing Supreme Court judgment, which he says affirms his authority.
This latest confrontation marks the second clash between the two monarchs in 2025. In March, they locked horns over the control of Oyotunji African Village in the United States following the killing of its leader, Adejuyigbe Adefunmi.
Despite the tensions, palace sources confirmed that reconciliation efforts are underway, with Yoruba elders urging restraint on all sides.
(Pin Point)
