The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has expressed deep concern over the apparent frosty interaction between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at a recent public event, describing it as a “brazen disregard for Yoruba traditions and values.”

Reacting to a viral video that captured an awkward moment between the two revered monarchs at the West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja, the President of YCW, Aare Hassan Oladotun, called for greater unity and mutual respect among traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

In a statement made available to the press, Oladotun decried the public display as not only embarrassing but damaging to the image and credibility of the Yoruba traditional institution.

“It is disturbing to witness how our royal father, the Alaafin of Oyo, behaved toward the Ooni of Ife in public. Such conduct is not only embarrassing but also detrimental to the values and traditions we hold dear in Yorubaland,” he said.

Oladotun noted that previous interactions between both monarchs had reflected mutual respect and camaraderie, urging that the same spirit of unity must be upheld, particularly in public settings.

“A previous video showed harmonious exchange and cordial greetings between both Obas. Courtesy demands that such tradition of mutual respect be maintained consistently. We must now begin to establish a clear code of conduct for our monarchs, in line with the dignity of their offices,” he added.

Ooni’s Palace Reacts: Viral Video Incomplete, Misleading

In response, the Ooni’s Palace has dismissed the viral video as “incomplete and misleading,” insisting that the encounter between the two traditional rulers was peaceful and cordial.

The monarchs were both in attendance at the West Africa Economic Summit held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Spokesperson to the Ooni, Moses Olafare, clarified that the viral clip was edited to misrepresent the true nature of the interaction, placing blame on a media platform affiliated with the Alaafin’s Palace—Oyo Legacies—for disseminating the footage out of context.

According to Olafare, the Alaafin had approached the Ooni upon arrival and exchanged royal pleasantries before taking his seat.

“The Ooni of Ife was already seated at the VIP lounge with his associates when the Alaafin arrived and proceeded directly to greet him,” Olafare explained.

“The two monarchs exchanged warm pleasantries and a few light jokes before the Alaafin took his seat. Later, when they were called into the main hall, the Ooni led the way, followed shortly by the Alaafin and his queen.”

He stressed that the relationship between the two traditional rulers remains cordial and warned against attempts to stoke division through manipulated media content.