Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, has intervened in the ongoing feud between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, urging both monarchs to seek peace following a controversial chieftaincy title dispute.
The conflict arose after the Ooni of Ife bestowed the Okanlomo of Oodua title on Ibadan-based businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the launch of a new social media and business platform, 2geda, on August 16, at Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort in Ibadan. This act prompted the Alaafin to issue a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the reversal of the title or face unspecified consequences.
In response, the Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, dismissed the threats, emphasizing that the matter would be left to the public’s judgment.
Adams, in his call for peace, stressed the importance of unity among Yoruba traditional leaders. In a statement released on Wednesday, he urged both monarchs to resolve their differences amicably to avoid weakening the Yoruba unity. He also warned that any discord between the prominent rulers could invite external forces to exploit the situation.
“I have already reached out to Yoruba elders to intervene in this matter,” Adams said. “The Ooni and the Alaafin are our pride in Yorubaland, and their disunity could lead to far-reaching consequences for us all. We cannot allow any cracks in our unity.”
Adams further emphasized the significance of the Ooni and the Alaafin as protectors of Yoruba culture and heritage, calling for sustained peace to safeguard the stability of Yorubaland amidst rising insecurity.
“The situation in Yoruba land requires both monarchs to play their roles in restoring peace,” Adams concluded. “We must not allow external enemies to take advantage of any disunity.”
