Ooni of Ife authority described as global by Yoruba Council Worldwide President, who urges unity with Alaafin for peace across Yorubaland

Ooni of Ife authority has been described as global and spiritually revered across Yorubaland, according to Oladotun Hassan, President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide.

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Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, Hassan clarified that the Ooni of Ife remains the spiritual head of the Yoruba race. “Ooni’s authority is a global authority. That is why we call Ooni, Onirisha,” he said.

The remarks come amid renewed discussions on the supremacy tussle between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo. Hassan stressed that Oyo historically owes its existence to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.

He reiterated that every Yoruba town traces its lineage back to Ile-Ife, as princes who left the ancient city did so with crowns but were cautioned never to wage war against their origin.

While affirming the authority of the Alaafin, Hassan maintained that Ile-Ife remains the source of the Yoruba race — a fact that cannot be broken.

He urged Yoruba leaders to pursue unity, warning that peace could only be achieved through harmonious relations between the Ooni and Alaafin.

“From the stable of the Ooni of Ife, Ọọ̀ni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja, is a revered father and the spiritual head of the Yoruba race.

By definition, the Ooni is the president of the Yoruba race, while the Alaafin is the prime minister, because they both have concurrent duties to play,” Hassan explained.

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His remarks reinforce calls for reconciliation and collective leadership among Yoruba monarchs to preserve tradition and strengthen unity.