The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has surpisingly stood, bowed to greet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite greeting the Ooni of Ife on his seat some many weeks before his scheduled visit to the president.
A viral video discovered by our correspondent revealed how the First-Class Monarch stood to greet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also bowing.
His latest demeanor with the president has sparked reactions amidst users of the social media who felt the recent public display is in direct contrast with his earlier action at a cultural event hosted in Ibadan by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. A video from the event shows the Ooni of Ife arriving, with most traditional rulers in attendance rising to greet him in respect. In contrast, the Alaafin of Oyo notably stayed seated, opting not to follow the custom. Despite this, the Ooni walked up to him, extended a handshake, and briefly exchanged words before proceeding to his seat.
The Alaafin, while reacting to this development through his Personal Assistant, said:
“Our forebears understood the weight of royal responsibility and the sacred duty to protect, unite, and lead with dignity. His Imperial Majesty embraces this legacy with humility and honour. He will not be drawn into performative gestures or public spectacles that reduce the gravitas of Yoruba monarchy to fodder for digital sensationalism.”
He called on the public to ignore divisive narratives and instead support unity and cooperation among traditional institutions.
“We call on the public to reject attempts to sow seeds of discord and instead join us in reimagining a Yorubaland where our traditions serve as catalysts for progress, and where our revered thrones stand not in competition, but in purposeful cooperation.”
Meanwhile, his latest show of respect while exchanging pleasantries with President Tinubu has further doused the noise about his earlier action, thereby countering the controversial narrative surrounding his personality.
A few netizens believe the last public face off between the Ooni of Ife and Alaafin were due to an internal disagreement between the duo.
