Ifa council reacts to Alaafin, Ooni dispute

Femi Fabunmi

The International Council for Ifa religion  (ICIR) has called on two respected Yoruba kings the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi  to settle their disagreement over who is more senior.

During the 2025 Isese Day celebrations, ICIR President, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, urged the monarchs to work together in peace. He said their unity would help promote development and unity among the Yoruba people.

Dr. Fakayode thanked the kings for preserving traditional culture and encouraged others to reconnect with their roots. He prayed for the rulers’ good health and long life.

He also appealed to them, saying:

“To move our land forward, we need our traditional rulers to work together in peace and understanding.”

The council asked President Bola Tinubu to declare August 20 and 21 as national public holidays to recognise Isese religion practitioners, just like Muslim and Christian holidays are observed.

ICIR also encouraged governors in Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta to follow the example of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, which already recognise Isese Day on August 20.

The council emphasized that all major religions in Nigeria should be treated equally. Declaring public holidays for Isese would promote unity and show respect for the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

ICIR congratulated Isese followers worldwide and thanked South-West governors for their support. It also called for:

• More funding for cultural festivals
• Protection of sacred lands
• Inclusion of traditional worshippers in national cultural councils

The council stressed that Isese is the foundation of Yoruba and African identity. It teaches moral values like honesty, respect, hard work, and communal living.

“Celebrating Isese keeps our culture alive and builds pride in our heritage,” the council said.

They added that investing in cultural sites can help grow local communities and bring in income. The