The newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, caused a stir on social media after a video showed him refusing to stand to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during an event in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The occasion was the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub built under the Renewed Hope Initiative and named after former Minister of Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande.
The event was organised by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Mild drama unfolded when the Ooni arrived and began greeting dignitaries at the venue.
While others rose to shake his hand, Oba Owoade remained seated and extended only his hand to the Ooni, sparking speculations about a cold war between both prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The moment has generated a flurry of reactions online, with many interpreting it as a sign of an ongoing supremacy tussle between the two royal stools.
One user wrote, “You don’t shake hands with your fellow man while sitting, it is a known bro code!”
Another argued, “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.”
Someone else commented, “The new Alaafin is bring respect back to the throne!!!!”
In contrast, another user called for peace, “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.”
One added, “Make we leave greeting alone oonii senior alaafin. Just look for the sitting arrangements…. Even alaafin was shaking confused but Wetin people don tell m make him do like that. He should sit shake then stand to embrace him as adult to adult.”
Another remarked, “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 event, no need to harague him to drop it. Alaafin’s conduct reflected civility and firmness.”
Last week, Oba Owoade had addressed rumours of rivalry, stating that he had no interest in a supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife.
“I want to be a friend to all Yoruba monarchs. I have no interest in any superiority battle with the Ooni of Ife. All such reports are fake news fabricated by bloggers,” the monarch said.
He made the statement during a series of courtesy visits to his palace by cultural groups including Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà and the Baptist High School, Ṣaki Old Students’ Association.
The Alaafin added that his reign is aimed at fostering peace and cultural unity, not promoting rivalry or division.
