A video currently circulating online has stirred reactions after showing the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, remaining seated while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was being greeted at a public gathering.
The clip, shared by @Oyoaffairs on X (formerly Twitter), revealed the moment during an event held in Ibadan, hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, April 29. In the footage, while other traditional rulers present stood to acknowledge the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin stayed seated, which quickly sparked debate online.
As reported, many observers on social media began speculating about a possible power rivalry between the two highly respected Yoruba monarchs. The Video, which @Oyoaffairs posted, had already gathered over 340,000 views as of the time of this report.
Following the incident, the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Olushola Alao, addressed the issue after a closed-door meeting at the Alaafin’s palace. Refuting claims of a supremacy contest, he told reporters, “Alaafin will remain the Alaafin of Oyo, and Ooni will remain the Ooni of Ife. So there is no dispute. People may talk, but what matters is unity among traditional rulers for the progress of the Yoruba race.”
The incident triggered divided opinions among Nigerians online. One user, @Optician_Mercy, remarked, “I have read extensively about Nigeria monarchs and I can tell you that the alaafin is far bigger and greater than ooni. Ooni is just a chief priest, their is no account of him anywhere conquering territories like the alaafin. Ooni ought to have bowed to the alaafin.”
Another, @mionisojubelo, noted, “This newly elected Alaafin is interested in the battle. Ọọni has done his best to unite all kings and relate with them with free minds. After his ascension to the throne, he visited the late Alaafin (something very unusual). Can anyone notice the body language of Alaafin Owoade.”
Sharing their thoughts, @tripdoclinic commented, “Simplicity and respect are what really count, no matter if I’m big or not. It’s all about being respectful and straightforward. Honestly, I don’t expect that from the new crown king. Pride comes before a fall. We Yoruba just need to get some certain things straight, Olorun.”
Another contributor, @islanderFitway, suggested, “My own take is that Alaafin should at least stand up to greet each other. They are both first class and respect is reciprocal.”
@Frankiee44 added historical context, saying, “HRM Okunade Sijuade Vs HRM Lamidi Adeyemi were head to head on this issue for over 30 years, and regrettably, the newer generations have picked up where they left off. I can understand both perspectives, but the overall situation is quite unfortunate.”
Voicing his frustration, @AOchiawuto questioned, “Why did they give those men seats like houseboys? Are they not kings like Oni of Ife? The chair arrangement is both insulting and embarrassing.”
And in a bold assertion, @HashtagsxTrends wrote, “Lmao. why should he? by right, the Alawọfin of Oyo is the supreme suzerain while the oonirisa of Uhe/Ife is but only a chief priest and custodian of ‘holy’ relics. that is even aside the fact that the oonirisa comes from the lineage of Adimu; an ancient slave.”
