Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State erupted in celebration as Oba Olasehinde Bankole Adesesan Ilugbusi was officially crowned Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Arohunmokinise II, on 2 August 2025.

The coronation ended more than 200 years of agitation over kingship rotation, a dispute that had divided the ancient town for generations.

The historic ceremony, attended by Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, marked the community’s embrace of unity, balance, and restored cultural legacy.

Breaking a Cycle of Agitation

For centuries, the Iloda royal family had held dominance over the throne, sidelining the Atiba and Ijisun families. Historical accounts show that while the first two Elesuns came from the Ijisun family and the third from Atiba, subsequent rulers were exclusively from Iloda.

This imbalance was compounded by the wrongful documentation of the town’s chieftaincy tradition during the reign of Oba John Osanyingbemi in 1959, sparking decades of protests, litigations, and failed reconciliations.

However, under the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), efforts were made to resolve the stalemate. The government reaffirmed the Esun Chieftaincy Declarations, which recognise Atiba, Iloda, and Ijisun as legitimate ruling houses.

On 14 April 2025, the Court of Appeal also upheld this recognition, supporting the inclusion of all royal families.

Government Endorsement

Speaking at the coronation, Deputy Governor Afuye stressed that Oba Ilugbusi’s selection followed due legal process.

“The appointment of Prince Bankole Olasehinde Ilugbusi as Elesun of Esun-Ekiti was carried out in strict compliance with the Ekiti State Chiefs Law of 2012. The government duly approved the process and published the official declaration in the State Gazette,” Afuye said.

The decision was further strengthened by the consent of the last two monarchs, Oba Samuel Omojola and Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who had endorsed the inclusion of the sidelined royal houses.

Oba Ilugbusi’s Vision

In his acceptance speech, Oba Ilugbusi declared:

“My ascension is a new chapter and a vibrant new dawn for beloved Esun-Ekiti. It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

He pledged to prioritise the welfare of residents, promote unity across all lineages, and advance sustainable development in the town.

The youthful monarch, aged in his early 40s, holds a degree in Business Administration from Ekiti State University and was preparing for postgraduate studies at Wayne State University, Michigan before his selection.

With a background in business, agriculture, and construction, he brings a modern perspective to traditional leadership.

Celebration of Culture

The coronation capped a week of colourful festivities that began with the official installation on 25 July 2025.

Cultural displays, traditional drumming, and vibrant dance performances lit up the town square as dignitaries, family members, and well-wishers from across Nigeria gathered.

For many, the moment symbolised the restoration of the legacy of Oba Arohunmokinise I, the town’s third monarch, whose principles of order, friendship, and peace are now being rekindled by his descendant, Arohunmokinise II.

Unity and Hope

Community leaders, cultural custodians, and residents say the new monarch’s reign signals a chance to heal old wounds and unite indigenes at home and abroad.

The coronation, they believe, represents not just the end of a kingship tussle but also the dawn of renewed hope, peace, and development for Esun-Ekiti.

Traditional rulers, Mogajis, Baales, and stakeholders in Ibadan have condemned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, for issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

The ultimatum demanded that the Ooni revoke the honorary title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland conferred years ago on businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi.

The Ibadan chiefs described the action as an “affront on Ibadanland” and a deliberate attempt to stoke division among Yoruba traditional institutions.

Stakeholders React

In a joint statement on Tuesday, signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, the leaders declared their support for Sanusi.

“An attack on the Bada Olubadan-designate is an attack on the entire Ibadanland. The irrational behaviour of Alaafin Owoade since ascending the throne must be checked and should not be extended to Ibadanland,” they said.

The group reminded the public that the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland was bestowed on Sanusi years ago by the Ooni at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts.

Reference to Late Alaafin

The chiefs also recalled that the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, never opposed the conferment.

“The late Alaafin Adeyemi was alive when Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi bestowed the title on Sanusi, and he never raised any objection. In fact, the late monarch had cordial relations with Sanusi and openly appreciated his contributions to Ibadanland and Yorubaland,” the statement read.

Long-standing Ties Between Ooni and Sanusi

The stakeholders highlighted the close bond between Sanusi and Ooni Ogunwusi, noting that both men share the same birth date, October 17.

They recalled Ooni’s visits to Ilaji Hotels and Resorts in 2020, where he publicly reaffirmed Sanusi as Okanlomo of Yorubaland. They also referenced events such as the 70th birthday of Chief Lekan Alabi at the University of Ibadan, where Sanusi and the late Alaafin shared platforms.

Warning Against Division

Describing Alaafin Owoade’s stance as “provocative and divisive,” the Ibadan stakeholders accused him of creating unnecessary conflicts.

“Instead of engaging in initiatives that promote unity and development, the current Alaafin appears bent on stoking divisions. He has already lost credibility over the Oyo State Council of Obas chairmanship tussle, and now he is attacking a foremost Ibadan chief, philanthropist, and respected personality in Nigeria. This is unacceptable,” they added.

The chiefs warned that any attack on Sanusi, as the Bada Olubadan-designate, would be seen as a direct attack on Ibadanland. They urged Yoruba leaders to caution the Alaafin and prevent further escalation.

Wider Implications

The rift underscores growing tensions in the Yoruba traditional hierarchy, where historical rivalries and questions of authority between the thrones of Oyo and Ife remain sensitive. Analysts say the dispute could affect broader efforts at fostering Yoruba unity, especially as traditional rulers remain central figures in cultural and political discourse in southwestern Nigeria.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, demanding the revocation of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, described the ultimatum as an “empty threat” and said the palace would not issue an official response.

“My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the Empty Threat of the Alawada Babasala. We cannot dignify the undignifiable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion as it is already being treated. Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us. No Press Release pls. 48 Hours My Foot!!!” Olafare wrote.

Alaafin insists on exclusive authority

On Monday, Oba Owoade had issued the ultimatum, insisting that only the Alaafin of Oyo has the authority to confer Yoruba-wide titles.

In his statement, released through Director of Media and Publicity Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said:

“The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland. The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts.”

He further argued that the Ooni’s jurisdiction is confined to Oranmiyan Local Government—now split into Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South—making the conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title an overreach.

Sanusi celebrates Yoruba-wide title

At the centre of the controversy, Ibadan businessman Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi, who was conferred the title, has expressed gratitude to the Ooni for the honour.

In a Facebook post, Sanusi said the title was conferred during the unveiling of 2GEDA, Nigeria’s first indigenous social media and business networking platform, held at the Ilaji International Hotel and Sports Resort, Ibadan.

“I am deeply honoured to announce that I have been officially conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II). A heartfelt thank you to the Ooni for his kind words and recognition of my commitment to the cultural and economic growth of Yorubaland,” Sanusi wrote.

Sanusi described 2GEDA as a platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“2GEDA is not just about connecting; it’s about empowering our local businesses and showcasing our rich heritage. As a platform that combines social interaction with business networking, it aims to elevate both established and emerging entrepreneurs.”

Growing royal tensions

The contrasting positions of the Alaafin, the Ooni, and the new titleholder highlight a growing rift in Yoruba traditional leadership. Analysts warn that the feud could unsettle the delicate balance of authority among monarchs, even as new cultural and digital initiatives, like 2GEDA, emerge from within Yorubaland.

The Ooni’s dismissal of the ultimatum signals that the clash may intensify, while Sanusi’s celebration suggests he remains undeterred by the storm surrounding his new title.