The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called for a truce 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 had conferred the title of Okanlomo of Oodua on Sanusi during the unveiling of the 2geda social and business networking platform at Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, on August 16.
However, the move was strongly opposed by the Alaafin, who issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Ooni to revoke the title or face consequences. The development has sparked tension and controversy across Yorubaland.
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Adams appealed to both monarchs to embrace dialogue, warning that disunity among Yoruba traditional rulers could embolden external threats.
“I have reached out to Yoruba elders to intervene in the growing tension between the two Imperial Majesties,” he said. “The Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo are the pride of our race. We cannot afford disunity between them.”
Adams noted that Yorubaland is already grappling with pockets of insecurity and urged the monarchs to work together to safeguard the region.
“If there is no crack in the wall, the lizard cannot penetrate it,” he added, stressing that unity is essential to preserving Yoruba heritage and stability.
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