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New Face in Alaafin–Ooni Rivalry: Seyi Tinubu vs. Dotun Sanusi
The longstanding rivalry between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has taken a new turn following the Alaafin’s recent installation of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.
The ceremony, held two weeks ago, attracted high-profile attendees including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and traditional rulers from Nigeria and Benin Republic. Seyi Tinubu’s appointment came less than a month after the Ooni of Ife had conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua on Ibadan-based businessman Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi.
The Okanlomo title is intended to promote Yoruba culture, advise traditional rulers, foster unity, and advance education and social welfare. However, the Alaafin had earlier issued a public warning to the Ooni, demanding the revocation of Sanusi’s title, arguing that the conferment of such pan-Yoruba chieftaincy titles falls exclusively under his authority, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Following the warning, the Alaafin formally inaugurated Seyi Tinubu with the same title, a move widely seen as a symbolic assertion of his authority and a response to the Ooni’s earlier action. Observers have noted that the development could be interpreted as a call for shared authority between the two monarchs over major Yoruba titles.
Efforts at Reconciliation
On October 25, Yoruba traditional rulers convened a peace meeting organized by businessman Kessington Adebutu. The gathering aimed to resolve the long-standing supremacy dispute between the Ooni and Alaafin. The meeting resulted in the establishment of the Joint Council of Yoruba Unity (JCUY), tasked with promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic development across Yorubaland.
In a communiqué, both monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to unity, mutual respect, and the advancement of the Yoruba nation, emphasizing harmony and brotherhood among Yoruba people.
Public Reactions
Reactions to the Alaafin’s decision to confer the title on Seyi Tinubu have been mixed. Some view it as a clever political and cultural maneuver, while others see it as reigniting a centuries-old rivalry. Social media users suggested that for lasting peace, titles of pan-Yoruba significance should ideally be conferred jointly by both the Ooni and Alaafin.
Critics argued that the Alaafin’s move risks escalating tensions, noting that the Ooni had already appointed a titleholder covering the same cultural scope. Others pointed out that the ongoing rivalry, which dates back to the colonial era and was intensified by political interference, has historically hindered the Yoruba nation’s unity and political influence.
Call for Harmony
Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Ifa priest and traditional authority, highlighted the historical context of the rivalry, tracing it through previous monarchs, including the late Oba Sijuwade Olubuse and Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. He stressed that competition over supremacy has often disrupted Yoruba unity and warned that continued conflict undermines the progress of the Yoruba people both domestically and in the diaspora.
Elebuibon urged both the Ooni and Alaafin to prioritize the development and cohesion of the Yoruba nation above personal or institutional rivalry, noting that fostering harmony between the two thrones is essential for the social, cultural, and political advancement of Yorubaland.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.