Remi, Seyi Tinubu’s Chieftaincy Titles Rekindle Alaafin–Ooni Supremacy Debate

The recent conferment of chieftaincy titles on First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has reignited a long-standing debate over the traditional supremacy between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife.

The titles, bestowed separately by the two revered Yoruba monarchs—Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife) and Oba Abimbola Owoade (Alaafin of Oyo)—have sparked renewed arguments among supporters of both thrones over which stool holds overarching authority in Yorubaland.

Ooni Honours First Lady

On December 7, the Ooni of Ife installed the First Lady as Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua, as part of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary.

The prestigious title was previously held by the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The ceremony attracted an array of traditional rulers and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi, among others.

Alaafin Confers Title on Seyi Tinubu

Two weeks later, on December 21, the Alaafin of Oyo conferred the title Okanlomo of Yorubaland on Seyi Tinubu at a ceremony in Oyo town.

The title is traditionally reserved for individuals regarded as highly respected and valued across the Yoruba nation.

The event drew attendance from several traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, as well as political leaders, business figures, and members of the diaspora.

Earlier Controversy Over Same Title

The controversy deepened following revelations that the Ooni of Ife had, in August, installed Ibadan-based businessman Dotun Sanusi with the same Okanlomo of Yorubaland title—an action later rejected by the Alaafin.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin reportedly gave the Ooni 48 hours to revoke the title, arguing that the move overstepped traditional authority.

Oba Owoade maintained that only the Alaafin of Oyo has the constitutional and historical authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland.”

Speaking during Seyi Tinubu’s installation, the Alaafin stated:

“The law is clear. History is settled. Chieftaincy titles that bear the name Yorubaland—titles whose meaning, influence, and obligation transcend a single town or kingdom—fall under a singular, established authority. That authority is the throne of Oyo.”

The statement immediately generated widespread reactions, with many interpreting it as a direct rebuttal of the Ooni’s earlier actions.

Ooni’s Supporters Push Back

Reacting to the development, the Salu of Edunabon in Osun State, Oba Adesoji Oladepo, insisted that the Ooni’s position as the spiritual head of Yoruba monarchs was beyond dispute.

According to him, all Yoruba kings inherited their beaded crowns from the Ooni, stressing that no monarch should compete with or attempt to undermine the throne of Ife.

“When the Ooni installed Dr Dotun Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yorubaland, several top monarchs were present, including the Olubadan, the Aseyin of Iseyin, the Ajero of Ijero, and the Olowo of Owo. When the First Lady was installed, the Sultan of Sokoto and the Olu of Warri were also in attendance,” he said.

He further questioned the scale of attendance at Seyi Tinubu’s installation, arguing that hierarchy among Yoruba kings places the Ooni above all others.

Alaafin’s Camp Defends His Position

While the Alaafin’s official spokesperson declined to comment, an aide to the monarch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, defended Oba Owoade’s stance, insisting it was grounded in historical fact.

“Kabiyesi was right. He was simply stating documented historical truths. The Alaafin alone has the exclusive authority to confer titles bearing ‘Yorubaland.’ This is not about rivalry or bitterness. There is no quarrel between the Alaafin and the Ooni,” the aide said.

The aide cautioned against distorting history, adding that the Alaafin remains committed to peace and unity within Yorubaland.