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.

General Muhammad Sani Sami II (rtd), has died at the age of 81, the Kebbi State Government has announced.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, confirmed the development in a statement released on Saturday.

According to the commissioner, the respected monarch passed away in a London hospital after a brief illness.

“The Kebbi State Government regrets to announce the death of the Emir of Zuru, His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammad Sani Sami II, who died after a brief illness in a London hospital at the age of 81,” Umar-Dutsinmari said.

The late Emir is survived by four wives and seven children.

Condolences pour in

The Kebbi State Government extended condolences to the Emir’s immediate family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the people of Kebbi State.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Zuru Emirate Council, the people of Zuru and the entire people of Kebbi State,” the statement added.

Residents of Zuru and traditional institutions across Nigeria are expected to pay tribute to the late monarch, who played a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage of his people.

Burial arrangements pending

The government noted that details of the late Emir’s burial will be announced in due course.

His passing marks the end of an era for Zuru Emirate, one of Kebbi State’s most prominent traditional institutions.

The Presidential Villa in Abuja will come alive with rhythm, culture, and colour as Nigeria’s celebrated Bata Queen, Olo Omidan Bata, takes centre stage at the Banquet Hall of the State House on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The event, designed to spotlight Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, is powered by Atunda Entertainment, Motherland Beckons…Heed the Call, and the IPADA Initiative, all founded by tourism icon Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye.

Born Ajayi Progress Temiloluwa, Olo Omidan Bata is a dynamic female performer known for her artistry as a singer, choreographer, and Omele Bata player. Once a schoolteacher who later transitioned to accounting, she has found her true calling on stage—where she now commands audiences with her electrifying performances rooted in Yoruba traditional music and dance.

Olo Omidan Bata’s return to the national stage is a celebration of Nigeria’s diverse tourism assets, indigenous music, and the creative economy.

The organisers say the performance will go beyond music to promote cultural diplomacy, inspire youth engagement in the arts, and reinforce Nigeria’s global identity through traditional sounds.

“Olo Omidan Bata will be live on stage at the Villa, courtesy of Atunda Entertainment, Motherland Beckons …heed the call and IPADA Initiative founded by tourism icon, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye,” the organisers said in a statement.

Fans, stakeholders in the tourism and creative industries, and culture enthusiasts are invited to witness the spectacle.

“So keep the date: Wednesday 30th July 2025. It’s time to celebrate arts, tourism and culture,” the organisers added.

This upcoming show at the State House Abuja is expected to draw dignitaries, cultural ambassadors, and global observers, reaffirming Nigeria’s position as a hub for Afrocentric innovation and tradition.