The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has declined to comment on a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, demanding the revocation of a chieftaincy title conferred on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.

In a statement on Facebook, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said: “My principal has directed me against issuing a press release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala. We cannot dignify the undignifiable with an official response. We leave the matter to the public court of opinion, as it is already being debated.”

Oba Owoade had earlier described the Ooni’s action as an “affront”, insisting that only the Alaafin has the exclusive right to confer chieftaincy titles covering the entirety of Yorubaland.

His media aide, Bode Durojaiye, accused the Ooni of overstepping his authority, which he said is limited to Ife Central, Ife North and Ife South local governments in Osun State.

The Alaafin warned that if the Ooni fails to revoke the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title awarded to Sanusi, he would face unspecified consequences.

The development has deepened tensions between the two leading monarchs over the scope of their traditional powers.