The supremacy tussle between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has continued to stir reactions across Yorubaland. Adding his voice to the ongoing chieftaincy feud, popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hazmat Oriyomi, has expressed concern over the way the dispute has played out in public.
Speaking during his morning programme, Oriyomi drew parallels between the current situation and the frosty relationship that existed between the late Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, noted that the age-long rivalry between the two stools has long been a delicate issue in Yoruba history.
He however commended the present Ooni for his earlier peace-building efforts, which at one time appeared to ease tensions between the two royal courts.
Oriyomi expressed surprise that Oba Ogunwusi, who had championed reconciliation between the two ancient thrones, could be perceived as sidelining the new Alaafin in such a sensitive matter.
He argued that the Ooni should have carried his Oyo counterpart along before conferring the controversial title of “Okanlomo of Oodua” on prominent Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi, at the unveiling of 2geda Media platform at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan. According to him, the absence of consultation gave room for the rift to fester and be magnified in the media space.
At the same time, Oriyomi faulted the Alaafin’s approach, stating that rather than issue threats through his spokesperson, the monarch should have privately reached out to the Ooni to express displeasure. He warned that allowing palace spokespersons and political interests to dictate the tone of such sensitive issues risks inflaming an already fragile situation.
The broadcaster described the current controversy as unnecessary and capable of undermining the unity of Yoruba traditional institutions. He stressed that both monarchs must rise above rivalry, learn from the mistakes of their predecessors, and ensure that disputes are handled with maturity and tact.
The feud began after the Alaafin, through his Director of Media, Bode Durojaye, condemned the Ooni’s decision to bestow the title without his consent, issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the title to be withdrawn.
While the ultimatum has since expired without response from the Ooni himself, Oriyomi cautioned that both palaces should avoid escalation and instead pursue dialogue in the interest of Yoruba unity and tradition.
WATCH HIM SPEAK IN CLIPS BELOW
