The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed claims of a strained relationship with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, following a viral video circulating on social media. The palace says the footage misrepresented a peaceful and cordial interaction between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs at a recent event in Abuja.
Both royal fathers were guests at the West Africa Economic Summit, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre on Saturday.
Viral Clip Was Misleading and Incomplete – Ooni’s Spokesperson
In an official statement issued on Sunday by Moses Olafare, the spokesperson for the Ooni, the palace noted that the viral video was edited and incomplete, creating a false impression of tension or disrespect between the monarchs.
“The Alaafin of Oyo walked straight to the Ooni’s seat to pay his royal respects, and the Ooni rose to receive him with warmth and humility. Both exchanged jokes and pleasantries before the Alaafin proceeded to take his own seat,” Olafare clarified.
Misrepresentation Blamed on Alaafin’s Media Wing, Oyo Legacies
- The Ooni’s palace specifically blamed Oyo Legacies, the media wing of the Alaafin’s palace, for posting an edited version of the interaction, which has since gone viral.
- “It is disheartening that Oyo Legacies failed to portray the Alaafin in his true character of peace and dignity, as he demonstrated during the Abuja event,” the statement added.
Olafare emphasized the critical role of media handlers in protecting and positively projecting the image of traditional rulers.
Details of the Abuja Royal Meeting
The Ooni of Ife was said to have arrived earlier and was seated in the VIP section when the Alaafin walked in. The Alaafin, bypassing his designated seat, walked directly to the Ooni to exchange royal greetings.
“Both monarchs proceeded into the main hall together when the event commenced, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance,” Olafare confirmed.
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Alaafin Booked a Visit to Ooni’s Palace – Palace Reveals
The statement also disclosed that the Alaafin of Oyo used the opportunity to schedule a visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, further demonstrating the mutual respect and harmony between the two monarchs.
“Oba Owoade is a monarch who values peace and relationships. He did excellently well in his royal approach to the Ooni and deserves to be commended,” Olafare stated.
Ooni’s Palace Calls for Responsible Media Reporting
The Ooni’s spokesperson concluded by urging media teams attached to royal institutions to always ensure accurate representation of their principals’ conduct and avoid releasing content that could spark unnecessary controversies.
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