Video: Alaafin of Oyo sparks controversy by refusing to stand for Ooni of Ife

Abdullateef Fowewe

At a recent gathering in Ibadan, the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, caused a stir when he declined to stand up to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has ignited debates among Nigerians about royal protocol and respect between Yoruba monarchs.

Video link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMB3a4NaK/

The footage, recorded at an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan on Tuesday, shows the Ooni of Ife arriving as traditional rulers stood to greet him.

However, the Alaafin of Oyo remained seated, refusing to offer the customary standing greeting.

Despite the gesture, the Ooni of Ife approached the Alaafin, shook his hand, and briefly exchanged words before proceeding to his seat.

Some argue the Alaafin should have stood as a sign of respect, while others contend that the Alaafin holds a status that does not require such gestures towards the Ooni.

The event has rekindled discussions on the traditional hierarchies and relationships among Yoruba kings.