The tension between two of Yorubaland’s foremost monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife, has taken a new turn after prominent Ibadan businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi, broke his silence to clarify misconceptions surrounding the controversial title recently bestowed on him.
The Alaafin of Oyo had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), demanding that he withdraw what he described as the unlawful conferment of the chieftaincy title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” on Sanusi.
According to the Alaafin, the authority to bestow such a pan-Yoruba title rests solely with his throne, a right which he stressed has been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He described the Ooni’s alleged action as a direct affront to the traditional institution he represents.
However, in a swift reaction, Chief Dotun Sanusi, founder of Ilaji International Hotel and Sports Resort, Ibadan, took to his official Facebook page to buzz over the new title.
In his caption, he disclosed that the title bestowed on him was “Okanlomo Oodua” and not “Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” as widely reported to fall under the Alaafin’s jurisdiction.
Sanusi explained that the honour came from the Ooni of Ife in recognition of his contributions to the cultural preservation and economic advancement of Yorubaland.
The conferment took place during the unveiling of 2GEDA, Nigeria’s first indigenous social media and business networking platform, held at his Ilaji Resort in Ibadan.
Expressing gratitude, Sanusi wrote:
“I am deeply honoured to announce that I have been officially conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
“This recognition further strengthens my resolve to contribute to the socio-cultural and economic development of Yorubaland.”
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