Ooni of Ife Dismisses Alaafin of Oyo’s 48-Hour Ultimatum as Empty Threat

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, as baseless and irrelevant, describing it as an “empty threat from a dead empire.”

The controversy erupted after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Ibadan-based businessman, Chief Dotun Sanusi—a move the Alaafin strongly opposed. In response, the Alaafin issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of the chieftaincy title, calling the decision an affront to his authority and the traditional institution.

However, in a response shared via social media by the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, the Ife monarch brushed off the ultimatum, stating that the Ooni remains focused on progressive initiatives rather than engaging in power tussles.

“The Ooni is busy setting up businesses and creating jobs for youths across Yorubaland; they are busy fighting supremacy that does not exist. Dead empire,” Olafare wrote.

He added that while the Alaafin issues threats, the Ooni is preparing for the groundbreaking of the Ojaja Smart City in Ibadan—touted to be the largest in Africa.

“Where does this king (Ooni) have time for supremacy hullabaloo? Issuing 48-hour ultimatum over a Chieftaincy title that doesn’t even exist,” Olafare stated.

As the deadline set by the Alaafin nears expiration, the Ooni’s camp has made it clear that no withdrawal of the chieftaincy title is on the table.