Okanlomo Tittle: Group Calls for Peace as Oyo Alaafin, Ooni of Ife Do Battle, “Let the Issue Die”

• Yoruba Peace Advocates urged calm between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife over the Okanlomo of Oodua title dispute involving Chief Dotun Sanusi
• The group backed the Alaafin’s caution to the Ooni, stressing that Oba Owoade acted correctly in defending proper chieftaincy protocols
• They called for unity among monarchs, emphasising adherence to due process and encouraging regular dialogue to advance Yorubaland

A pro-Yoruba group, Yoruba Peace Advocates, has appealed for calm between two foremost traditional rulers, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, following a dispute over the conferment of the Okanlomo of Oodua title on Ibadan-born businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi.

The group urged both monarchs to embrace peace and “let the issue die” in the overall interest of Yorubaland.

Group appeals for settlement

In a statement jointly signed by Elder Akinwande Oluseye and Mr Akanni Olugbenga, made available to journalists on Wednesday, August 20, the group noted that Chief Sanusi, the owner of Ilaji Farms and Resorts, has already been conferred with the title.

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“Since the title of Okanlomo of Oodua has been bestowed on Chief Dotun Sanusi, our revered monarchs should let the matter rest and move forward in unity,” the statement read.

Alaafin right to caution Ooni

The Yoruba Peace Advocates backed the Alaafin’s stance, stating that Oba Owoade was right to have expressed concerns over what they described as a recurring practice.

“While we are not in support of division among our revered Obas, we like to say that Oba Owoade was right to have cautioned Oba Ogunwusi. Apart from the fact that Oba Owoade is the one with the right to honour any deserving individuals in Yorubaland, the caution came at the right time, especially as it has become habitual for Oba Ogunwusi to dash out honours,” the group said.

Call for unity among monarchs

The group further stressed that the issue was not about Chief Sanusi personally but about upholding due process.

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“We know that Oba Owoade has nothing against Chief Dotun Sanusi. What the monarch tried to do was to say the obvious, to let the world know what Oba Ogunwusi has been doing, especially in the case of the Okanlomo title,” the statement continued.

The statement added:

“The Supreme Court has settled the matter, and it is public knowledge. Going forward, we believe Oba Ogunwusi would respect his jurisdiction and the limits of his power.

“We commend Oba Owoade for his proactiveness and urge our monarchs to constantly meet and deliberate on how to move Yorubaland forward.”

Source: Legit.ng