The Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, Osun State, Oba Omotooyosi Akinleye, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the ultimatum issued to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, over the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman and Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sport Resorts, Engr. Dotun Sanusi.

Oba Owoade had on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Oba Ogunwusi, demanding the revocation of the chieftaincy title conferred on Sanusi.

In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade described Ooni’s action as an affront to his authority, insisting that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to confer titles covering the entire Yorubaland.

He accused Ooni of exceeding his traditional jurisdiction and disregarding a Supreme Court judgment which, he said, affirmed the Alaafin’s sole prerogative in such matters.

The monarch said the conferment of chieftaincy titles that concern Yorubaland is the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin.

He noted that Ooni’s action is unlawful, derogatory, and amounts to going against the authority of the Supreme Court.

However, Oba Akinleye, in a post shared on his official X account, cautioned against actions capable of undermining the authority of the Ooni, whom he described as the custodian of the ancestral throne of the Yoruba people.

The Olukosi maintained that while Yoruba monarchs hold influence within their domains, Ooni remains the spiritual father of the race.

“Alaafin’s authority ends in Oyo land. Owa Obokun’s authority ends in Ijesa land. Awujale’s authority ends in Ijebu land. Alake’s authority ends on Egba land,” the monarch said.

He added that the throne of Oduduwa, occupied by the Ooni of Ife, represents the heritage of all Yoruba people.

Oba Akinleye further noted that disputes over titles and recognitions should not degenerate into confrontations among traditional rulers. Instead, he urged Yoruba kings to show mutual respect and preserve the unity of the race.

“No child is older than the one who fathered them. We are all children of Oduduwa, and the Ooni is sitting on our father’s throne,” he said.