The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State has expressed concern over the escalating feud between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, warning that the monarchs may be under a spell.
President of the association, Oluseyi Atanda, said the repeated clashes between the two foremost Yoruba rulers could spark a wider crisis if not urgently resolved.
He suggested that rituals may be necessary to restore peace, stressing that the dispute could be the handiwork of forces opposed to Yoruba unity.
“The two monarchs are traditionalists. We are from the same father. What could have caused the fight? What is happening could be a spell from some people who don’t want the Yoruba race to unite,” Atanda said, adding that aides of the two rulers should exercise caution in handling the matter.
Renowned Ifa priest and poet, Ifayemi Elebuibon, also described the feud as “needless and disgraceful,” noting that Yoruba monarchs should focus on the development of their people rather than supremacy battles.
“What should be paramount is the progress of the Yoruba race, not rivalry. Some people are fanning the embers of discord, but the monarchs must rise above this,” he said.
The ongoing hostilities began after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi during the unveiling of an indigenous networking platform in Ibadan on August 16.
The Alaafin faulted the action, insisting that only he had the authority to bestow titles covering the entire Yoruba nation.