I hold Ooni of Ife in high regard, Alaafin of Oyo addresses viral video
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has broken his silence over a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a public event.
The video, which emerged from a gathering hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan, sparked mixed reactions online, with some questioning the Alaafin’s gesture of remaining seated while other monarchs rose to greet the Ooni.
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.”
The monarch described the online buzz as unnecessary drama and urged the public to focus on more pressing issues affecting the Yoruba people.
“This latest installment 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,” he said.
He emphasised his commitment to unity and collaboration among Yoruba monarchs, saying he remains “unwavering” in efforts to promote peace, security and development across the region.
Oba Owoade also condemned the trend of turning royal affairs into viral spectacles.
“We too must uphold these legacies with humility and honour. It will not be drawn into manufactured disputes or public spectacles that reduce the gravitas of Yoruba monarchy to fodder for digital sensationalism,” he said.
The Alaafin urged the public to resist divisive narratives and instead support efforts to reposition traditional institutions as unifying forces.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade was officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo on April 5, following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022.
The coronation ceremony took place at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, with Governor Seyi Makinde presenting the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch.
