Fresh details have surfaced surrounding the quiet tension said to exist between the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The issue drew public attention following a viral video in which the Alaafin remained seated while the Ooni exchanged pleasantries with other monarchs during an event.
The video, filmed at a programme organized by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 29, sparked debate online. Many viewers questioned the Alaafin’s decision to stay seated as the Ooni, regarded as one of the most senior traditional rulers in Yorubaland, greeted fellow monarchs.
Roots of the Alleged Tension
According to findings by The PUNCH, the friction between the two prominent traditional rulers may have its origins in events that occurred months before the Ibadan gathering. In March 2025, a Yoruba traditional rite was held in Oyotunji African Village, South Carolina, USA — a settlement deeply connected to Yoruba royal heritage.
Insiders claimed that the Ooni of Ife had dispatched a delegation to the United States after the July 2024 killing of the community’s traditional leader, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi. The team included respected monarchs and priests tasked with performing spiritual rites to preserve the village’s royal lineage.
However, during their visit, a surprising incident reportedly unfolded. A source close to the delegation alleged that Oba Owoade, then still in seclusion preparing for his coronation, made a phone call to one of the visiting monarchs. The caller, identified as the Alaafin, allegedly demanded that the delegation vacate Oyotunji, insisting that the territory traditionally belonged to the Oyo Kingdom.
“We were shocked by the call. He claimed Oyotunji was Oyo territory and said we had no right to perform rites there. But Oyotunji leaders were traditionally crowned by the Ooni,” a member of the delegation recounted.
Alleged Snub at Coronation
Sources also pointed to another incident during Oba Owoade’s coronation ceremony. Despite the Ooni of Ife attending the event in the company of a 38-member entourage from Osun State, the Alaafin allegedly failed to acknowledge his presence.
“Till date, the Alaafin has not reached out to thank the Ooni for attending the coronation. The Ibadan event was their first meeting since then, and the Alaafin’s demeanour says a lot,” the source noted.
The insider added: “Ooni is not in any supremacy tussle. His position in Yorubaland is clear and undisputed.”
Alaafin’s Camp Denies Rift
In response to the claims, Kolade Oladele, Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, dismissed the speculations, describing them as “deliberate attempts to stir discord.”
“There is no rift. The Alaafin didn’t issue any directive concerning Oyotunji. Kabiyesi was in seclusion preparing for leadership and had no time for such distractions,” Oladele explained.
On the matter of the alleged coronation snub, Oladele insisted the Ooni received a formal invitation and was shown due honour during the event.
He said: “Why would the Alaafin send a powerful delegation to invite the Ooni only to ignore him at the event? That narrative is false. People are just conjuring issues.”
Oladele emphasized that the Alaafin remains focused on governance and cultural advancement in Oyo State while maintaining cordial relations with other Yoruba monarchs.
“We won’t engage in needless drama. Kabiyesi respects all Yoruba monarchs and is committed to unity,” he affirmed.
The Legacy of Oyotunji Village
Oyotunji African Village, established in 1970 by Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I in South Carolina, USA, was founded as a cultural haven for African Americans reconnecting with Yoruba traditions. Oba Adefunmi was crowned by the late Ooni Sijuwade, and subsequent leaders of the village, including the recently deceased Oba Adejuyigbe, maintained ceremonial ties to the Ife crown.
The community is currently undergoing a leadership transition following Adejuyigbe’s death, with Yoruba traditional rulers continuing to support the village’s spiritual practices.
