Oba Akimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has addressed a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a recent public event.
In the footage that surfaced on social media, captured the moment the Alaafin’s was seated while other monarchs rose to greet the Ooni.
The incident, which took place at an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan, sparked significant buzz on social media.
Reacting in a statement issued through his special assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the insinuations, saying, “The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife—and all institutions of Yoruba heritage—in high regard.”
He described the online reactions as part of a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to sow discord among Yoruba traditional rulers, afterwhich reaffirmed his deep respect for the Ooni of Ife, stressing the importance of maintaining strong inter-royal collaboration.
He emphasised that their shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress in Yorubaland remains a cornerstone of their leadership.
The statement reads fully, “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. 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.
“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. 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.
“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 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.