Alaafin Breaks Silence On Not Standing To Greet Ooni

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has addressed the growing social media uproar over a video that showed him sitting while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was being greeted at a public event.

The gathering was organized by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and took place in Ibadan. The clip captured other monarchs rising to greet the Ooni, while the Alaafin remained seated—something that sparked widespread speculation about the relationship between the two prominent Yoruba kings.

In a response issued through his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the controversy, labeling it a distraction. He explained that the video was being misinterpreted by Nigerian news bloggers who, he said, were trying to stir division among Yoruba traditional rulers.

“The reactions online are just another attempt by bloggers and commentators to create unnecessary drama among respected leaders in Yorubaland,” the statement said.

The monarch reaffirmed his respect for the Ooni of Ife and emphasized the importance of unity among traditional rulers. According to him, both kings share a strong commitment to peace and development across Yoruba land.

The statement added, “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.”

The Alaafin emphasized that this was not the time for unnecessary drama, especially when the Yoruba people are facing real issues such as insecurity and economic hardship. He said attention should be focused on meaningful work that uplifts communities and supports development.

“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 said. “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.”

He reiterated his commitment to working with other traditional rulers for the betterment of Yorubaland, saying he respects all custodians of Yoruba heritage.

“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.”

He stressed that the throne of Oyo is not interested in public drama or empty displays, but is focused on preserving the dignity of Yoruba royalty.

“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.”

The Alaafin called on the public to ignore divisive narratives and instead support unity and cooperation among traditional institutions.

“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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