Businessman Dotun Sanusi has stated that the chieftaincy title conferred on him by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, is Okanlomo Oodua.

This is amid a controversy that erupted from a statement issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, which referred to the title as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

According to the Alaafin, the conferment of the title is not in the jurisdiction of the Ooni, as backed by the Supreme Court. This was as he issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni, warning him to reverse his decision or face consequences.

A statement from his palace reads, “The attention of the Alaafin of Oyo and the Titan of Yorubaland, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has been drawn to the purported conferment of chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on a business tycoon, Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

“The conferment of chieftaincy title which borders on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin, who is the Titan of Yorubaland, and on whom holds exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone.

“The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no authority to check and call him to order and because of that ‘above the law’ syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybody’s’ back including the apex court in the country, the Supreme Court, which had ruled on the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin to confer chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone."

He added, "The instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi, during his installation, specifically limits his traditional area of authority to Oranmiyan Local Government, which has now been split into three Local Governments, viz: Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South.

”The dictum that nobody is above the law of the land is now being put to a crucial test and the reality of our time makes it very obligatory for the Alaafin to call the Ooni of Ife to order and demand revocation of the so-called Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title conferred on Engineer Dotun Sanusi within 48 HOURS or face the consequences.”

However, an appreciation statement issued by Dotun Sanusi reveals that the chieftaincy title is Okanlomo Oodua, not Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

He shared on Facebook, "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).

"This momentous occasion took place during the unveiling of 2GEDA, Nigeria’s first indigenous social media and business networking platform, at the Ilaji International Hotel and Sports Resort, Ibadan.

"A heartfelt thank you to the Ooni for his kind words and recognition of my commitment to the cultural and economic growth of Yorubaland.

"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.

"I am thrilled to partner with Mr. Emeka Eze on this innovative journey, bringing our unique Nigerian experience to the digital space. Let’s embrace this new dawn for our digital ecosystem!

"The app is now live and available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. Let’s make the most of this incredible opportunity!"

MyNigeria could not confirm if there's a difference between Okanlomo Oodua and Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

ASA