he Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has called on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, to withdraw the 48-hour ultimatum he issued to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in the wake of a growing feud between the two monarchs.
The Alaafin rejected the conferment, insisting that only his palace has the authority to bestow pan-Yoruba titles, and demanded its revocation within 48 hours through his spokesman.
The council, which represents Yoruba indigenous people worldwide, urged reconciliation between the two revered traditional leaders.
“These monarchs are not only traditional leaders but sacred custodians of Yoruba history, dignity, and culture. Moments like this demand calm, reflection, and unity rather than division,” the statement partly read.
The YCW called on Yoruba elders, statesmen, and cultural custodians to mediate constructively and facilitate a lasting peace. It specifically urged the Alaafin to retract the ultimatum while awaiting the convocation of the Yoruba Obas Conference to formalize a peace pact in Yorubaland.
The council also appealed to Yoruba citizens, particularly young people and social media users, to avoid spreading divisive remarks and to champion understanding and reconciliation.
“Our words carry weight, and in times of tension, they should be used to build bridges, not walls. The Alaafin and the Ooni represent eternal symbols of Yoruba civilisation. Their unity is vital for cultural preservation and the collective dignity of the Yoruba nation,” the statement added.
Netizens Reactions…
Tomilola Olalekan Sowo reacted; “All this groups are just making this Alaafin think he’s doing the right thing by advising him. What can he even do to Ooni? Let him face the shame he plans to bring upon himself now. Joker.”
utmostdecasual commented; “It’s better we iron it out now, Ooni is superior to Alaafin. Ile Ife has been in existence before any town in Yorubaland. Last born of Oduduwa, Oranmiyan founded Oyo empire and Benin kingdom. Obatala which is the second born enthroned Ife Kingdom from Oduduwa which is their father. Ooni is superior.”
Engr Package Yemaks said; “Ooni is alaafin great grandfather. Ooni is the real oduduwa. The first ooni of lle ife is oduduwa. So ooni occupy the spot of alaafin forefathers. Go and study yoruba history well.”
Jimoh Oluwabunmi Ahmed stated; “Alaafin will be embarrassed on either side he choose. Ooni get more supporters than Alaafin in the current age. This is not the era of use gun powder access.”
Akin Adeyanju wrote; “Alaafin should be fighting for creation of new Oyo state by now
Abi who chieftaincy help?
Abi Oyo wan dey under Ibadan forever ni ?”
