- The Alaafin of Oyo, addressed a viral video controversy.
- The video showed him seated while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, greeted other traditional rulers.
- The event took place in Ibadan and was organized by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has addressed the widespread online debate triggered by a viral video that showed him remaining seated while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, greeted fellow traditional rulers during a public event in Ibadan.
The footage, taken at an event organized by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, quickly gained traction on social media, drawing criticism from users who interpreted the Alaafin’s seated posture as a sign of disrespect.
Responding to the backlash, the Alaafin dismissed the controversy as a deliberate effort by some bloggers and social media users to stir division among Yoruba kings.
In a statement released by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, Oba Owoade described the incident as a needless distraction from more urgent issues confronting the Yoruba people, such as rising insecurity, economic challenges, and the need to empower the youth.
He emphasized his continued respect for the Ooni of Ife and reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening cooperation among traditional leaders to promote development across Yorubaland.
The Alaafin also called on the public to look beyond surface-level actions and ignore online narratives that threaten the integrity and unity of traditional institutions.
The statement reads:
“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.
“Our forebears understood the weight of royal responsibility and the sacred duty to protect, unite, and lead with dignity. 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.
“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.”
