Alaafin vs Ooni: Stop Inciting Traditional Rulers Against One Another, Elebuibon Counsels Yoruba Sons, Daughters

Foremost traditionalist and cultural icon in Yorubaland, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, has strongly admonished prominent Yoruba sons and daughters to desist from inciting traditional rulers against one another, emphasizing that such actions undermine peace and development within the Yoruba race.

Chief Elebuibon, who holds the esteemed title of Araba Awo of Osogbo and is a revered Ifa High Priest, shared his views in an exclusive interview with Saturday Vanguard at his country home in Osogbo, Osun State. The discussion centered on the recent face-off between two paramount Yoruba traditional rulers: the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The conflict arose following the conferment of the Okanlomo Odua chieftaincy title on Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS), a prominent Ibadan-based business tycoon, philanthropist, and CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts.

 

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Elebuibon highlighted the paramount status of the Ooni’s throne, explaining that it is the origin of every other throne in Yorubaland. He described the relationship between the Ooni of Ife and other Yoruba traditional rulers as analogous to that of a father to his children. According to him, Ile-Ife, being the traditional and spiritual cradle of the Yoruba race, holds immense cultural and historical significance.

He stated, “Ile-Ife is the source of the Yoruba race and the Ooni’s throne gave birth to every other throne in Yorubaland. Therefore, the issue of supremacy battles involving the Ooni should never arise for any reason. The relationship between the Ooni and any other traditional ruler in Yorubaland or of Yoruba descent is that of father and child, and no child would disrespect his father.” Chief Elebuibon urged all Yoruba sons and daughters to cease inciting discord among Yoruba traditional rulers. Moreover, he appealed to both traditional and social media to refrain from sensationalizing conflicts among Yoruba leaders and instead promote unity within the race.

In a related development, a Yoruba socio-cultural group known as The Oduduwa Descendants Worldwide reaffirmed that only the Ooni of Ife holds the authority to appoint individuals to the title of Okanlomo Odua. The group’s spokesman, Prince Segun Alade, emphasized in an interview with Saturday Vanguard that “the lineage of Oduduwa is clear; only the Ooni can designate the Okanlomo Odua, and any claim otherwise distorts our heritage.”

Prince Alade further explained, “Our traditions are rooted in respect and recognition of rightful authority, which resides solely with the Ooni of Ife, a revered figure in our cultural heritage. The Okanlomo title is not merely an honorific; it embodies the spirit and unity of the Yoruba people, spanning descendants in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Cuba, Brazil, America, the UK, and even Caribbean countries.”

The dispute escalated when the Alaafin of Oyo issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife to withdraw the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland conferred on Chief Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin claimed that only he possesses the authority to confer such titles across Yorubaland and cited a Supreme Court judgment supporting his position. The Ooni, however, ignored the ultimatum, with his spokesman, Moses Olafare, dismissing it as an “empty threat.”

This clash between two of Yoruba land’s most significant traditional rulers has stirred considerable debate and concern within the Yoruba community. Cultural custodians like Chief Elebuibon are calling for restraint, unity, and respect for traditional hierarchies, warning that internal conflicts among Yoruba leaders could hinder the progress and cohesion of the entire race.

In conclusion, the call from Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon and Yoruba socio-cultural groups is clear: Yoruba sons and daughters must foster peace by respecting the established cultural order and avoiding actions that pit revered traditional rulers against one another. Upholding unity and cultural heritage remains paramount for the continued development and strength of Yorubaland.

 

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