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.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants, mandating the disclosure of all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years.

The directive, announced on Monday in a post on the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, follows the US Department of State’s renewed push to strengthen national security through enhanced screening procedures.

According to the Embassy, applicants will be required to enter their social media history on the DS-160 visa application form, which is mandatory for non-immigrant visa requests.

Embassy Warns Against Omissions

In its statement, the US Mission in Nigeria said:

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.”

This means that any applicant who leaves out a username, whether deliberately or by mistake, risks being denied a visa and possibly losing eligibility for future applications.

Security First

The new measure is part of Washington’s broader effort to track online activities of visa seekers as a way of preventing security threats and improving border safety. While some Nigerians expressed concerns about privacy, US officials argue the requirement is a vital tool for protecting citizens and monitoring global risks.

Wider Impact on Applicants

Visa experts suggest the rule could affect thousands of Nigerian students, tourists, and business travellers seeking entry to the United States. Applicants are now advised to carefully review their digital footprint to avoid errors that could jeopardize their chances of approval.

What Applicants Should Do

Immigration consultants recommend that Nigerians keep a record of all past social media accounts and ensure consistency in their visa applications. The Embassy also urges honesty and transparency when filling out the DS-160 form.

“See your elevation as motivation to higher performance” – Mobereola

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has promoted nine Deputy Directors to the rank of Directors as part of a large-scale promotion exercise that also saw 234 other staff elevated across various levels.

The Governing Board of NIMASA, at its recent sitting, approved the promotion of 30 Assistant Directors to Deputy Directors, 35 Chief Officers to Assistant Directors, and ratified the advancement of 169 other staff members across different grade levels.

New directors announced

The newly appointed Directors include the Coordinator of the Abuja Liaison Office, Mrs Moji Jimoh; Director of Internal Audit, Dr Odunayo Ani; Special Adviser to the Director General, Mrs Nneka Obianyor; Director of Procurement, Mrs Biodun Fatade; Dr Oma Ofodile; Ms Gloria Anyasodo; Mr Abdulahi Yelwa; Mr Umar Buba and Mr Umar Ibrahim Sidi.

DG Mobereola commends staff

Congratulating the promoted officers, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to staff welfare and transparent, merit-driven career growth.

He urged the newly elevated officials to view their promotions as encouragement to deliver even better results in service delivery.

“Our administration is committed to improved staff welfare. This promotion exercise is strictly merit-based, and we expect staff to reciprocate by rededicating themselves to higher productivity. We will continue to prioritize staff welfare, while counting on your commitment to the ideals of the Agency in helping Management actualize its mandate,” Mobereola stated.

A transparent system

The DG stressed that the elevation exercise reflected NIMASA’s focus on fairness and performance. According to him, the agency’s leadership expects the newly promoted officers to set a higher standard of professionalism in maritime regulation, safety, and development.

Staff welfare at the centre

Dr Mobereola added that the promotions were not just a recognition of past performance but also a call to greater responsibility.

Industry stakeholders see the development as part of efforts to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity to deliver on its mandate of regulating shipping, ensuring maritime safety, and supporting Nigeria’s blue economy.