Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon has urged Yoruba leaders to stop fueling tensions between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, as cultural groups insist only the Ooni can confer the Okanlomo Odua title.
Foremost Ifa priest and cultural icon, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, has appealed to Yoruba sons and daughters to desist from instigating rivalries among traditional rulers, stressing the need for peace and unity. Speaking in Osogbo on the ongoing dispute between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Elebuibon said the Ooni’s throne remains the spiritual source of Yorubaland.
“Ile-Ife is the source of Yoruba race and the Ooni’s throne gave birth to every other throne in Yorubaland,” he declared, adding that the relationship between Ooni and other monarchs is that of “a father to child and no child would disrespect his father.”
Backing this stance, the Oduduwa Descendants Worldwide asserted that only the Ooni, as Arole Odua, holds the authority to appoint Okanlomo Odua. The statement followed Alaafin’s 48-hour ultimatum demanding Ooni withdraw the title conferred on businessman Chief Dotun Sanusi, which Ooni’s camp dismissed as an “empty threat.”