Alaafin, Ooni In Microphone Drama (Video)

A fresh incident involving the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife has stirred debate across social media, further fuelling public discussion over the long-perceived tension between the two foremost Yoruba monarchs.

In a clip circulating on several Nigerian news platforms, recorded at a gathering attended by many traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife handed a microphone to the Alaafin of Oyo. The Alaafin then passed it to an aide, who swiftly wrapped it with a white handkerchief before returning it to him.

The gesture, though brief, has reignited speculations of a rift between both traditional leaders. The moment has been widely interpreted online as a display of mistrust or caution, while others dismissed it as harmless.

The development comes amid an ongoing saga between the two monarchs over matters of protocol, traditional authority, and symbolism in Yorubaland.
Earlier in the year, a scene showing the Alaafin refusing to stand to greet the Ooni at a public event went viral, prompting criticism and sparking public debate over hierarchy among Yoruba kings.

The situation deepened months later when the Alaafin reportedly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni to revoke a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title he conferred on a businessman — a move the Alaafin claimed was beyond the Ooni’s jurisdiction.
Although both palaces have at times denied any personal conflict, the public continues to read rivalry into their appearances together.

Public reactions

The new development has generated a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms:
@hoeye_xoxo joked, “Na to arrange ring fight for them by December.”

@comradeblog wrote, “In life, trust no one.”

@mactonymore said, “Make peace reign jare, Yoruba kings no suppose dey drag themselves like this.”

Some users defended the Ooni, noting that he has long been calm in public controversies.
@henryike23 stated, “Ooni always tries to maintain peace and maturity.”

@larrybade_autos added, “No need for all this tension, both of them represent us.”

Others, however, criticised the Alaafin’s conduct.
@yemmy_alasooke commented, “This Alaafin’s own is too much.”

@olunweke wrote, “Political kings all I see. What a display of shame among Yoruba leaders.”

Some commenters urged restraint and calm.
@oluwatobiserahfunmi appealed, “Why are we quick to instigate violence and rancor? The Alaafin might have only been following his own habit. Let’s promote peace, not hate.”

Another user, @princess_akankeade, also advised against overinterpretation, saying, “Bloggers should stop creating issues where there’s none. We need peace among our royals.”

While the palaces have yet to issue any statement regarding the latest incident, the public continues to dissect every detail. Many observers believe the recurring tensions highlight how modern media amplifies traditional rivalries and turns cultural gestures into viral controversies.

For now, the two monarchs have not publicly commented on the matter, leaving the court of public opinion to decide whether the incident was a mere coincidence or another chapter in an unfolding royal rivalry.

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