Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has affirmed that Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi will be formally installed as Okanlomo Oodua at a ceremony on 4th and 5th December, 2025.
Oba Ogunwusi made the affirmation during a visit to Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I) at his Bodija, Ibadan residence, on Sunday.
The pronouncement by the Ooni may have effectively put to rest the controversy surrounding the official title to be given Chief Sanusi, the Bada Olubadan-designate and Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, had raised an eyebrow on the appropriateness of the Ooni of Ife giving a title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland to an individual, saying it was not within the purview of the latter.
Alaafin was criticised by some Yoruba indigenes who opined that supremacy battle between the two traditional rulers is a distraction from the main issue of socio-economic and infrastructural development of Yorubaland.
Speaking at the residence of Oba Ladoja, on Sunday, Ooni Ogunwusi described Sanusi as a visionary leader, community builder, and bridge between tradition and modern development.
According to the Ooni, the installation of Chief Sanusi as Okanlomo Oodua is not only a recognition of his personal achievements, but also a testament to his enduring contributions to Yoruba unity, culture, and progress.
The two-day installation ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, and cultural enthusiasts from across Yorubaland and beyond.
As enthused by some individuals, installing Sanusi as the Okanlomo Oodua would mark another landmark chapter in the cultural renaissance of Yorubaland.
