There has been mixed reaction from Nigerians after the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, refused to stand up to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at a public event in Ibadan.
The incident happened during the commissioning of a new Information and Communication Technology hub organised by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Oyo State.
A video from the event showed the Ooni of Ife walking into the venue and being greeted by several dignitaries and traditional rulers who stood up to welcome him. However, the Alaafin of Oyo remained seated as the Ooni approached.
Despite this, the Ooni still stretched out his hand and had a short conversation with the Alaafin before moving to take his seat on a cushioned chair. The Alaafin, like other traditional rulers present, was seated on a plastic chair.
This action has since gone viral online, sparking debates over royal respect, tradition, and protocol.
One user, @olaideazeez, wrote, “The Alaafin stool is not a small stool. Historically, the Alaafin is mightier than the Ooni. The rivalry between the two kings has existed from ancient times. The new king just followed suit based on history.”
Another user, @iamteffie, said, “You don’t shake hands with your fellow man while sitting. It is a known bro code!”
On the other hand, @FolaCoker2 urged for peace, saying, “It’s obvious everywhere that Ooni is well recognized and respected to be their leader. Alaafin, please we need love and peace in our land. Don’t be pushed. Ooni Adeyeye is a cool man to work with.”
Also reacting, @Iam_Czar said, “The new Alaafin is bringing respect back to the throne!”
But @Woleedan13 suggested that the new king was under pressure, saying, “Even Alaafin was shaking, confused. But people must have told him to act that way.”
abdoul_xh: Alafin cannot standup because Ooni was invited to come to Ibadan & Ooni met Alafin already seated. Make una de think small small.
olayera_kehinde : The sitting arrangement don settle the supremacy.
rashdimu: Alafin could have done better because to my understanding his exposed. Standing up to greet him with a hug will only make their relationship cordial. So him sitting greeting him make him a bit local trying to claim champion. Just my own 1cent opinion oh.
femiaderogba_: But if na Seyi Makinde ,he go stand up 😁.
The throne of the Alaafin is one of the most respected in Yoruba history, just like that of the Ooni of Ife. Both stools have held great influence in Yoruba culture for centuries.
SEE VIDEO HERE
Supremacy tussle? Watch the moment Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, refused to stand up to greet Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at an event organised by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan yesterday. pic.twitter.com/jpgVQZeSbO
— Oyo Affairs (@Oyoaffairs) April 30, 2025
