The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has officially broken his silence following the widespread backlash and mixed reactions generated by a viral video that showed him remaining seated while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, exchanged greetings with other monarchs at a recent public gathering in Ibadan.
The incident occurred during an event organized by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and was attended by several prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries. In the video, Oba Owoade was seen not standing up as the Ooni greeted him and others, which sparked public criticism, with many interpreting the gesture as disrespectful or a sign of rivalry between the monarchs.
The video rapidly gained attention online, igniting heated debates among social media users and commentators. Many critics condemned the Alaafin's demeanor, citing cultural expectations that demand mutual respect among traditional rulers, especially within the Yoruba kingdom.
However, the Alaafin of Oyo, through a detailed statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, clarified his position and strongly debunked the negative assumptions being circulated. He described the situation as a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online users to misrepresent the interaction and create unnecessary tension among Yoruba monarchs.
He stressed that the uproar surrounding the video was a distraction from the pressing challenges affecting the Yoruba people, such as insecurity, economic hardship, youth unemployment, and the urgent need for development.
Oba Owoade reiterated his utmost respect for the Ooni of Ife and emphasized his ongoing commitment to unity, peace, and collaboration among traditional institutions. He expressed concern that focusing on non-issues like gestures of protocol could weaken the dignity of royal institutions and derail progress in Yorubaland.
“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 statement began.
He further stressed that all stakeholders—including traditional leaders, youth, and citizens—must rise above trivial matters and prioritize efforts that would benefit their communities, such as economic empowerment, peace-building, and cultural preservation.
“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.
He continued by reaffirming his commitment to Yoruba unity, noting that the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo has always been centered on service, dignity, and leadership for the collective good of 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,” the statement affirmed.
He also criticized the reduction of royal interactions into viral content aimed at causing division and drawing public attention for sensational purposes. According to the Alaafin, Yoruba monarchs must not be distracted by the expectations of performative gestures that disregard the responsibilities they carry.
“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 statement added.
The monarch concluded by urging the public to stand against efforts to create discord and instead support a vision for a united and progressive Yoruba race, where traditional institutions work together for the greater good.
“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.