The newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has stirred a wave of mixed reactions on social media following his decision not to rise to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at a high-profile event in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident took place during the commissioning of a newly built Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub, an initiative spearheaded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
As the Ooni made his way through the venue, extending greetings to several dignitaries, all present were seen rising respectfully as he approached—except for the Alaafin, who remained seated while offering a handshake.
This seemingly symbolic gesture has been met with various interpretations and sparked debate about traditional hierarchy, historical precedence, and mutual respect between Yoruba monarchs.
Social media users have weighed in with contrasting opinions:
@iamteffie commented, “You don’t shake hands with your fellow man while sitting, it is a known bro code!”
@olaideazeez offered a historical perspective, stating, “The Alaafin stool is not a small stool. Historically the Alaafin is mightier than the Ooni. The rivalry between the two kings has been in existence from ancient of days. The new king just followed suit based on history.”
@Iam_Czar praised the Alaafin’s decision, “The new Alaafin is bringing respect back to the throne!!!!”
@FolaCoker2 called for unity, “It’s obvious everywhere that Ooni is well recognized and respected to be their leader. Alaafin pls we need love and peace in our land. Stop all this drama. Don’t be pushed. Ooni Adeyeye is a cool man to work with. Alaafin pls be a pacifist. Respect ought to be reciprocated.”
@Woleedan13 questioned the intention, “Make we leave greeting alone. Ooni senior Alaafin. Just look for the sitting arrangements… Even Alaafin was shaking confused but Wetin people don tell am make him do like that. He should sit, shake, then stand to embrace him as adult to adult.”
@ADLEKE1 commended the Alaafin’s demeanor, “Irrespective of the circumstance that had thrown him up as the king, he knows his place. If at this time and age Ooni still holds on to bad practice of habitual late comer to events, no need to harangue him to drop it. Alaafin’s conduct reflected civility and firmness.”
The moment was captured on video and widely circulated, prompting discussions around royal protocols, generational shifts in traditional rulership, and the evolving dynamics between prominent Yoruba kings.
Watch the video below…
Supremacy tussle? Watch the moment Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, refused to stand up to greet Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at an event organised by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan yesterday. pic.twitter.com/jpgVQZeSbO
— Oyo Affairs (@Oyoaffairs) April 30, 2025