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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video showing him seated while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, greeted him and other monarchs at a recent public gathering in Ibadan.
The clip, which was filmed at an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, quickly circulated online and sparked debate over perceived disrespect. Social media users questioned the Alaafin’s posture, interpreting his seated position as dismissive toward the Ooni.
In a statement released through his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the backlash as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to sow discord among Yoruba traditional leaders.
“It has come to our attention that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland—namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife—at a recent public function,” the statement read. “This latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise that distracts and detracts from the truly important issues to which sons and daughters of Yorubaland should devote their energy and focus.”
Oba Owoade emphasized the need to channel attention toward pressing societal concerns such as insecurity, youth empowerment, and economic development, urging unity among Yoruba leaders and people.
“At a time when our people face profound socio-economic and security challenges, it is incumbent on all of us—leaders, youths, traditional institutions, and citizens alike—to rise above pettiness and prioritise the work of uplifting our communities,” he stated. “The welfare of our people, the protection of lives and property, the empowerment of our youth population, and the revitalisation of traditional values for development—these are the matters that truly deserve attention.”
The monarch reaffirmed his respect for the Ooni of Ife and stressed that Yoruba traditional institutions should serve as symbols of unity, not division.
“His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo, remains unwavering in his commitment to these priorities. He believes in a future of collaborative progress and views synergy between traditional institutions as a vital pillar for stability and advancement in Yorubaland,” the statement continued. “The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife—and all custodians of Yoruba heritage—in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land.”
Rejecting the narrative being pushed online, the Alaafin called for dignity and a return to the values of traditional leadership.
“Our forebears understood the weight of royal responsibility and the sacred duty to protect, unite, and lead with dignity,” the statement concluded. “His Imperial Majesty embraces this legacy with humility and honour. He will not be drawn into performative gestures or public spectacles that reduce the gravitas of Yoruba monarchy to fodder for digital sensationalism.”
He called on the public to focus on progress and reject attempts to pit royal institutions against one another.
“We call on the public to reject attempts to sow seeds of discord and instead join us in reimagining a Yorubaland where our traditions serve as catalysts for progress, and where our revered thrones stand not in competition, but in purposeful cooperation.”
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Wow so Alafin of Oyo refuse to stand up to greet his father 😳? The ooni well all this thing we are doing prosperity will judge us. So this is the mean reason Oyo started revisionism of history but we all know your place sha. pic.twitter.com/7XVvF46npW
— Ààrẹ Ayọ̀dèjì (@omolisabi1) April 30, 2025
#AlaafinOfOyo
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