In a video that circulated widely online, a moment involving the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has sparked controversy and public speculation about a possible fallout between the two highly respected Yoruba traditional rulers.
The incident, which occurred during a public event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan, showed the Alaafin remaining seated while the Ooni approached to greet him.
Other monarchs stood and exchanged handshakes with the Ooni, but the Alaafin greeted him briefly while remaining on his seat. The moment drew widespread reactions on social media, with many interpreting it as a subtle show of disrespect.
While the Alaafin’s camp has dismissed these reactions as an overblown narrative fueled by social media, more details are emerging about a deeper disagreement that may have begun months earlier in the United States.
Sources revealed that in March 2025, tensions quietly surfaced during a visit to Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina—a cultural community established in 1970 by Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I to promote Yoruba traditions in the diaspora.
Following the tragic death of the village’s leader, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi, in July 2024, the Ooni reportedly sent a group of Ife chiefs to perform traditional rites at the community.
The delegation included prominent figures such as Oba Adesoji Oladepo, Oba Idowu Adediwura, and the Araba Agbaye. However, it was during their stay that a disagreement reportedly occurred. One of the chiefs alleged that while they were still in the US, Oba Owoade—then still in seclusion—called to assert that Oyotunji fell under Oyo’s influence and that the Ife delegates should vacate the village.
The chief said, “Oba Owoade should have done his research on who usually installs the Oyotunji leader in the US before calling us.”
Following this, another subtle sign of friction was noted during Oba Owoade’s coronation. The Ooni, who attended the event with several traditional rulers from Osun State, was allegedly not recognized in any formal capacity. “Till I am speaking with you, the Alaafin has neither called nor visited the Ooni to say ‘thank you’ after the coronation,” the source added.
Despite these claims, the Alaafin’s personal assistant, Kolade Oladele, firmly rejected the notion that there is any form of rift. He noted that the monarch never issued such a directive regarding the Oyotunji Village and was focused solely on preparing for leadership during his time in seclusion.
He said: “Kabiyesi was at Ipebi, preparing himself for the governance of the most sophisticated town. So, he didn’t have time for such a thing.
“Even if there was any issue of that nature, Alaafin has always advised people to be patient and investigate matters thoroughly before acting.
“Without putting words in Alaafin’s mouth, the Oyotunji Village has its own history, beginning with the name itself.
“The founders of the community had their reasons for naming the place Oyotunji. However, what I know is that Alaafin has not given any direct verdict to anybody. He has been focused on governance and is committed to the development of Oyo Kingdom.”
On the claim that the Alaafin did not recognise the Ooni during the coronation and appreciate his presence, Oladele said: “People are just conjuring issues anyhow. We don’t even need to dissipate our energy on this issue because it is a fallacy.
“Why would the Alaafin raise a powerful delegation to invite the Ooni to the coronation and then not recognise him? How can anybody make such a claim?
“Let us have a direct complaint from the Ooni’s palace, maybe we can take the matter seriously then.
“In summary, it is the Oyotunji people who reached out to the Alaafin. Oba Owoade didn’t call them. Alaafin has no issue with the Ooni. I know there is no rift between the two respected traditional rulers.”
