The Yoruba Heritage Forum has issued a stern warning to the Alaáfin of Ọ̀yọ́, Oba Abimbola Owoade, over what it described as attempts to distort Yoruba history and reignite traditional rivalries, particularly concerning the spiritual and cultural status of the Ooni of Ifẹ̀, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The warning follows reports that the Alaafin allegedly issued an ultimatum to the Ooni regarding the conferment of a chieftaincy title on prominent businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Olufemi Aduwo, the Forum described the Alaafin’s actions as “legally baseless and historically unsustainable,” stressing that no valid court ruling grants the Alaafin supremacy over the Ooni in matters of traditional authority.
“Any reliance on such a phantom judgment constitutes a grave error and distortion of Yoruba history,” Aduwo stated.
He further explained that while the Ọ̀yọ́ Empire wielded significant influence during certain historical periods, it neither encompassed the entirety of Yorùbáland nor exercised spiritual or cultural supremacy over it.
Citing historical and colonial records, Aduwo reaffirmed that the Ooni of Ifẹ̀ remains the spiritual father of the Yoruba people, a position that transcends geography and politics. He referenced key texts such as Samuel Johnson’s The History of the Yorubas (1921) and British colonial intelligence reports, which consistently recognised Ifẹ̀ as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation and the Ooni as the custodian of its heritage.
“Traditional authority in Yorubaland is not coterminous with modern local government areas,” Aduwo said.
“The Ooni’s position is not merely that of a local king in Ifẹ̀, but a symbolic and spiritual figure whose relevance extends across the Yoruba world.”
The Forum also downplayed the reach of titles conferred by the Alaafin, including the historically revered but now largely ceremonial title of Ààrẹ Ọ̀nà Kakanfò, stressing that such honours carry no authority beyond Ọ̀yọ́ and its immediate surroundings.
Issuing a direct caution to Oba Owoade, Aduwo declared:
“The Alaafin is firmly advised to desist from issuing childish threats or attempting to re-ignite dormant rivalries. The Yoruba nation, already burdened by insecurity and economic instability, cannot afford another crisis over chieftaincy politics.”
He concluded by affirming that any attempt to provoke unrest under the guise of traditional supremacy would be resisted, both through legal channels and by the collective will of the Yoruba people.
