Discord Among Traditional Rulers: Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife at Odds Over Unspecified Issue

Let's talk about the brewing tension between two prominent Yoruba monarchs - the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. This drama began to unfold in public eye on April 29, 2025, with a video going viral that showed Oba Owoade staying seated while the Ooni greeted other attendees at an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan[1][4].

But the real fire was kindled much earlier - in March 2025, during an event at the Oyotunji African Village in Beaufort County, South Carolina[1]. The heart of the conflict? Cultural representation in the diaspora[1].

The Oyotunji Controversy

Founded in 1970 by Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I, the Oyotunji African Village serves as a spiritual home for African Americans reconnecting with Yoruba traditions[3]. The late Ooni Sijuwade had installed its previous leaders, including the late Adejuyigbe, traditionally linked to the Ife crown[3]. But things took a heated turn when Oba Owoade made a call to one of the visiting monarchs, demanding they vacate the village[1].

"We were taken aback by the call. He claimed Oyotunji was Oyo territory and argued we had no right to perform rites there. But the Oyotunji leaders had always been traditionally crowned by the Ooni," a member of the delegation shared[1].

The Coronation Snub

The tension deepened as Oba Owoade allegedly did not acknowledge Oba Ogunwusi at his coronation ceremony. Despite the Ooni's presence with a 38-member entourage from Osun State, the new Alaafin neither reached out to thank him for attending nor showed any signs of recognition[1].

“The Alaafin’s demeanor speaks volumes,” the source stated[1].

Yet, the Alaafin’s personal assistant, Kolade Oladele, dismissed the claims as “deliberate attempts to stir discord”[1].

“There is no rift. The Alaafin didn’t issue any directive concerning Oyotunji. Kabiyesi was in seclusion preparing for leadership and had no time for such distractions,” he said[1].

Uneasy Alliances

The Alaafin and the Ooni hold distinct roles in Yoruba culture - the Alaafin symbolizing military authority and the Ooni holding significant spiritual and cultural influence[2]. In the past, their collaborations have been strained by political dynamics, particularly during the Second Republic (1979–1983)[2].

While Ooni Ogunwusi has sought to unify Yoruba monarchs, this recent incident is a setback to his legacy[3]. On the other hand, Alaafin Owoade, newly installed in April 2025, has emphasized rebuilding Oyo’s infrastructure and preserving traditions[5].

As broad challenges in balancing tradition, authority, and modernization face Yoruba monarchs, only time will tell how this royal rift unfolds[1][3][5].

Insights

The historical roles of the Alaafin and the Ooni have significantly shaped their dynamics, with the Alaafin representing military power and the Ooni holding spiritual and cultural influence[2]. This rift between the two contemporary monarchs reflects the complexities of maintaining tradition, exerting authority, and adapting to modernization[1][3][5].

Historical Roles: The Alaafin traditionally symbolizes Yoruba military authority, while the Ooni holds significant spiritual and cultural influence[2].
Modern Dynamics: Ooni Ogunwusi's efforts to unify Yoruba monarchs are complicated by recent events, while Alaafin Owoade focuses on infrastructure and cultural preservation[3][5].

[1] The PUNCH, “Details of Alaafin-Ooni tension over coronation, Oyotunji emerge,” N/A, April 30, 2025. [2] J. O. Adetiba, “Historical Issues in the Relationship between Alaafin and Ooni,” Journal of Interdisciplinary History, Vol. 6, No. 2, 1989. [3] Premium Times, “New Alaafin refuses to acknowledge Ooni at coronation ceremony,” N/A, April 30, 2025. [4] Daily Trust, “Ooni greeted others, Alaafin sat at event sparking reactions,” N/A, April 30, 2025. [5] ThisDay, “Alaafin: A new direction for Oyo Kingdom,” N/A, May 1, 2025.

The tension between Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, traces back to March 2025, where a call from Oba Owoade demanded the vacating of the Oyotunji African Village.
The Oyotunji African Village, founded by Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I in 1970, serves as a spiritual home for African Americans reconnecting with Yoruba traditions.
The heart of the conflict between the two monarchs lies in cultural representation, particularly at the Oyotunji African Village, which has traditionally been crowned by the Ooni.
During the coronation ceremony of Oba Ogunwusi, Oba Owoade allegedly did not acknowledge him, despite the Ooni's presence with a 38-member entourage from Osun State.
In the past, collaborations between the Alaafin and the Ooni have been strained by political dynamics, particularly during the Second Republic (1979–1983).
Despite the allegations of a rift, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin’s personal assistant, dismissed the claims as “deliberate attempts to stir discord.”
The 2024 general news may shed more light on this royal rift, as it unfolds due to the complexities of maintaining tradition, exerting authority, and adapting to modernization in Yoruba politics.