New Face in Alaafin–Ooni Rivalry: Seyi Tinubu vs. Dotun Sanusi

The longstanding rivalry between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has taken a new turn following the Alaafin’s recent installation of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

The ceremony, held two weeks ago, attracted high-profile attendees including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and traditional rulers from Nigeria and Benin Republic. Seyi Tinubu’s appointment came less than a month after the Ooni of Ife had conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua on Ibadan-based businessman Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi.

The Okanlomo title is intended to promote Yoruba culture, advise traditional rulers, foster unity, and advance education and social welfare. However, the Alaafin had earlier issued a public warning to the Ooni, demanding the revocation of Sanusi’s title, arguing that the conferment of such pan-Yoruba chieftaincy titles falls exclusively under his authority, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.

Following the warning, the Alaafin formally inaugurated Seyi Tinubu with the same title, a move widely seen as a symbolic assertion of his authority and a response to the Ooni’s earlier action. Observers have noted that the development could be interpreted as a call for shared authority between the two monarchs over major Yoruba titles.

Efforts at Reconciliation

On October 25, Yoruba traditional rulers convened a peace meeting organized by businessman Kessington Adebutu. The gathering aimed to resolve the long-standing supremacy dispute between the Ooni and Alaafin. The meeting resulted in the establishment of the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity (JCUY), tasked with promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.

In a communiqué, both monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to unity, mutual respect, and the advancement of the Yoruba nation, emphasizing harmony and brotherhood among Yoruba people.

Public Reactions

Reactions to the Alaafin’s decision to confer the title on Seyi Tinubu have been mixed. Some view it as a clever political and cultural maneuver, while others see it as reigniting a centuries-old rivalry. Social media users suggested that for lasting peace, titles of pan-Yoruba significance should ideally be conferred jointly by both the Ooni and Alaafin.

Critics argued that the Alaafin’s move risks escalating tensions, noting that the Ooni had already appointed a titleholder covering the same cultural scope. Others pointed out that the ongoing rivalry, which dates back to the colonial era and was intensified by political interference, has historically hindered the Yoruba nation’s unity and political influence.

Call for Harmony

Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Ifa priest and traditional authority, highlighted the historical context of the rivalry, tracing it through previous monarchs, including the late Oba Sijuwade Olubuse and Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. He stressed that competition over supremacy has often disrupted Yoruba unity and warned that continued conflict undermines the progress of the Yoruba people both domestically and in the diaspora.

Elebuibon urged both the Ooni and Alaafin to prioritize the development and cohesion of the Yoruba nation above personal or institutional rivalry, noting that fostering harmony between the two thrones is essential for the social, cultural, and political advancement of Yorubaland.