Alaafin vs Ooni: How British Treaty Appointed Head of Yoruba Nation

The ongoing power struggle between Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been fueled by a British treaty from the colonial era that allegedly appointed the Alaafin as the supreme leader of the Yoruba Nation. Oba Owoade, who was installed just five months ago, claimed that the treaty recognized the Alaafin as the paramount ruler.

The Alaafin emphasized his commitment to defending Yoruba tradition and hinted at a supremacy battle with the Ooni. However, the Ooni had previously ordered the withdrawal of a chieftaincy title from a businessman, causing tensions between the two traditional rulers.

The Alaafin clarified that the issue was not personal but a matter of authority, while the Ooni dismissed the alleged rift as fake news and rumors. The situation remains tense as both rulers navigate their strained relationship.