- A video of a tense interaction between two prominent Nigerian traditional rulers has gone viral.
- The rulers involved are the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Ooni of Ife.
- The footage was recorded during an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on April 29, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
A video capturing a tense moment between two of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II—has gone viral, igniting widespread conversation online.
The footage, taken during an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 29, 2025, shows the Alaafin remaining seated as the Ooni of Ife entered the venue. In contrast, other monarchs present stood to greet the Ooni with handshakes.
Despite the apparent snub, the Ooni of Ife approached the Alaafin, greeted him with a handshake, and exchanged a brief conversation before taking his seat, which was more regal and cushioned compared to the plastic chairs provided for many of the other kings, including the Alaafin.
The incident has sparked intense debate across social media platforms. While some users argue that the Alaafin should have stood in recognition of the Ooni’s higher status in traditional hierarchy, others believe the Alaafin’s decision was justified and reflective of a long-standing rivalry or differing views on royal protocol.
Watch the video
see reactions below;
@oladokunraphaelwhite : Oni of ife would have stood up to greet Alafin if it was Alafin that entered like that, power tussle never entered into Oni of ife since he became the king of Ife. I remember how the late Alafin of oyo and this Oni met not long after he became the oni of ife, both of them stood up and embarrassed each other. This power tussle leadership is a thing of the past. I’m an oyo indigene, whether anyone agree with me or not, in this present Nigeria, Alafin cannot be recognized ahead of oni of ife, in any occasion organized by the government, the late Sijuwade had fought that battle before he died and won. The only thing that’s left is battle of arguments and agidi. Both kings should embrace love and friendship.
@abdoul_xh: Alafin cannot standup because Ooni was invited to come to Ibadan & Ooni met Alafin already seated. Make una de think small small.
@olayera_kehinde : The sitting arrangement don settle the supremacy.
@rashdimu: Alafin could have done better because to my understanding his exposed. Standing up to greet him with a hug will only make their relationship cordial. So him sitting greeting him make him a bit local trying to claim champion. Just my own 1cent opinion oh.
@femiaderogba_: But if na Seyi Makinde ,he go stand up 😁.
@ashiwaju_419 : I based in oyo state, but ooni is still superior 🔥.
@froshdada : Okanbi has 7 seven sons and Ooni is not one of them, Ooni is not a biological son of odudua but Ife people want to change history and said okanbi had 8 kids trying to add Ooni to it. Ooni is the one that take care of the palace when the princes and princess left for their expansion of the Yoruba territory. Now you see why ALAAFIN can never respect Ooni??? If you don’t know history you might think That ALAAFIN is proud.
@ceo_yemadexoil : According to Yoruba history, Ooni is not Superior than any of seven Direct Oduduwa Bloodline and Grandchildren, I.e The Orangun of Ila, The Alaafin of Oyo, The Oba Of Benin and the remaining four. Oduduwa gave birth to only one child with the name OKANBI, This OKANBI gave birth to seven children I mentioned above. OONIRISA used to be chief priest of Oduduwa who knows how to appease about 300 Gods in Ile-Ife then, Ooni is also known then as BABA ORISA ( Chief priest ) Not from Oduduwa lineage. But after the death of OKANBI the only Son of Oduduwa, the seven children decided to migrate to various places for settlement also to build up their individual families, at this time non of the seven children remained at Ile-Ife at their father’s Palace to take over the throne, They all migrated from Ife and left the throne empty, They told Baba ORISA to take over the affairs of the Home and be a good custodian of the Gods of the Land. That’s how BABA ORISA Became OONIRISA and ascended the Ile-Ife throne the the highest chief of Oduduwa and also the only Priest who knows the do and undo of the 300 Gods in Ile-Ife then. So at anytime the seven Children of Oduduwa decides to visit their Source in Ile Ife, Ooni must respect their returns and will never wear his crown . So now we know who is more superior.
