Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique, Ambassador Albert Gbadebo Ogunyemi, has dismissed the significance of the Okanlomo installation that sparked controversy between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, arguing that neither traditional ruler possesses political power beyond their respective domains.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV from 11:50, Ambassador Ogunyemi emphasized the limited territorial authority of both monarchs in contemporary Nigeria. “The Alaafin and the Ooni—neither of them has political power. None of them can rule beyond his territory, beyond his domain. I can’t see the Ooni going to Oyo and telling them what they have to do, neither can the Alaafin leave that place, leave where he is, leave Oyo, and go to Ile-Ife or go to Ijebu. None of them has any political power,” he stated.
The former diplomat characterized the immediate cause of the dispute as having minimal broader impact on Yoruba society. “And the immediate cause of this thing, which is the installation of Okanlomo by the Ooni. But that has very little significance. Right. The significance it has is just within Ile-Ife,” Ogunyemi explained.
He further limited the scope of the Okanlomo’s authority, suggesting the position cannot extend beyond Ile-Ife’s boundaries. “The Okanlomo cannot go to Ondo and say, ‘I want to exercise the functions of Okanlomo.’ That’s not possible,” the ambassador argued.
Ambassador noted that the Ooni of Ife holds the position of spiritual leader among the Yoruba people due to Ile-Ife’s status as the ancestral source of Yoruba civilization. However, he expressed concern that the current controversy surrounding traditional authority appears to be unwarranted.
The Ambassador explained the traditional process of becoming an oba, emphasizing that candidates must undergo specific rituals and ceremonies designed to prepare them for leadership. According to him, these rituals serve a crucial purpose in teaching proper comportment and behavior expected of traditional rulers.
He expressed disappointment at the current situation where Yoruba traditional rulers have resorted to making public statements through the media that he characterized as unseemly exchanges. The Ambassador described this development as disgraceful and beneath the dignity expected of traditional institutions.
While acknowledging the historical significance of the Oyo Empire, which once spanned over 150,000 square miles across present-day Nigeria, Togo, and Benin, the Ambassador noted that this vast territorial control ended in 1896, approximately two centuries ago.
The former diplomat argued that invoking the legacy of an empire that concluded over 200 years ago as if it were currently relevant to contemporary disputes is unnecessary and counterproductive.
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