In a statement released to the media, His Royal Majesty Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti and paramount ruler of Mobaland, addressed recent allegations from the Alaafin’s palace concerning the conferment of the title “Okanlomo of Yorubaland.” The Oore emphasized that the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has never conferred such a title, which is believed by some to be a matter of contention within the Yoruba traditional hierarchy.
The Oore’s statement clarified that the Ooni’s authority extends globally, bridging the Yoruba people with connections across Africa, including the Itsekiri in Delta State, the Benin Kingdom, the Ga tribe in Accra, Ghana, and even to the Luo tribe in Uganda. This vast influence underscores the Ooni’s status as a crucial leader not only within Yorubaland but also in the broader African context.
Addressing the media, the Oore invited those claiming that the Ooni has conferred the title of Okanlomo on anyone to present credible evidence to the public. “For the avoidance of doubt, Ooni has never conceived it, talk less of installing anybody as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland,” the statement read.
The Ooni is recognized as the Natural Father of the Yoruba race and the spiritual head of the Odùduwà race worldwide, thus possessing the authority to bestow significant titles when necessary. However, the focus of the Ooni, as articulated by the Oore, extends far beyond the confines of chieftaincy titles. His pursuits aim to unify the Yoruba people and foster development across the continent, a goal that transcends the traditional disputes over titles.
Since ascending the throne, the Ooni has only conferred three significant territorial chieftaincy titles — the Odole Oodua, Iyalaje Oodua, and Yeye Oodua – on distinguished individuals known for their contributions to the community. These titles reflect deeper spiritual and ancestral traditions rather than mere honors.
The Oore showcased the leadership initiatives undertaken by the Ooni, highlighting various projects aimed at creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth, including the proposed Ojaja Smart City in Ibadan, which is set to provide over 20,000 jobs. Additionally, the establishment of several grand resorts, educational institutions, and industrial hubs across Nigeria demonstrates the Ooni’s commitment to elevating the socio-economic status of Yoruba youths.
In his remarks, the Oore urged a reevaluation of the ongoing disputes over chieftaincy titles, pointing to the historical precedent of past empires. He emphasized that the era of territorial conquests is long over and that contemporary leadership should prioritize unity and development over conflict. “Leadership is never by forceful enthronement nor by empty threats, but by service, wisdom, and natural acceptability,” he stated.
The Oore also called on the public to seek clarity regarding the Supreme Court judgment that has been invoked in this ongoing dispute, cautioning against misinterpretations that seek to undermine the esteem of the Ooni’s position.
As the Oore reiterated the House of Odùduwà’s commitment to peace, unity, and prosperity for the Yoruba people and beyond, his statement resonated as a rallying cry for collective progress rather than divisive quarreling over titles.
The message underscored the vision of a united Yoruba nation that transcends mere titles, focusing instead on fostering a future grounded in development, peace, and the shared heritage of the Odùduwà race.
