The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has appealed for calm and reconciliation between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, following a dispute over the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.
The Ooni of Ife had recently honoured Sanusi with the title of Okanlomo of Oodua during the unveiling of a business and social networking platform, 2geda, held on August 16 at Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Ibadan.
The move, however, triggered controversy as the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the reversal of the title, warning of consequences if ignored. In response, Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, dismissed the threat, stating that the matter had been left “in the court of public opinion.”
Reacting to the tension, Adams in a statement on Wednesday, urged both monarchs to prioritize dialogue and unity, warning that disunity among Yoruba traditional rulers could weaken the region and embolden external threats.
“I have reached out to Yoruba elders to intervene in the growing tension between the two Imperial Majesties, the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo. They are our pride in Yorubaland and indeed Africa. We cannot afford disunity between them,” Adams said.
He stressed that both monarchs play crucial roles in safeguarding the Yoruba nation at a time of insecurity. “If there is no crack in the wall, the lizard cannot penetrate it. Yoruba land needs unity, and both monarchs are custodians of our heritage,” he added.
Adams called for an amicable resolution to preserve peace, unity, and stability across Yorubaland.
