The spokesperson for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Mr. Moses Olafare, has categorically dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, labeling it as “an empty threat from a dead empire.”

The controversy arose after Oba Owoade threatened that the Ooni should retract the title of Oluomo of Yorubaland, recently awarded to a prominent business mogul, within 48 hours.

In a spirited response shared on social media and monitored by Vanguard on Tuesday, Olafare referred to those behind the ultimatum as “jokers,” emphasizing that the Ooni is focused on substantial development initiatives rather than engaging in what he described as outdated supremacy battles.

“Ooni is busy creating jobs for the teeming youths of the region, while others are embroiled in a futile fight for supremacy that has long expired,” Olafare stated. He characterized the Alaafin’s claim as stemming from a “dead empire,” asserting that the 48-hour ultimatum would soon lapse without consequence.

“With the planned groundbreaking and launch of Ojaja Smart City in Ibadan, the largest development of its kind in Africa, the Ooni has far more significant matters at hand than wasting time on empty threats over a non-existent chieftaincy title,” he added.

Olafare further questioned the validity of the ultimatum, emphasizing, “Where does this king (Ooni) have time for supremacy hullabaloo? Issuing a 48-hour ultimatum over a title that lacks legitimacy makes no sense.”

The ongoing exchange underscores the tensions within the traditional leadership of Yorubaland, with the Ooni’s focus on economic progress and youth empowerment contrasting sharply with what he describes as superficial disputes over titles.