Alaafin Didn’t Snub Ooni, Viral Video Edited for False Narrative
The Palace of the Ooni of Ife has condemned a viral video circulating on social media, which allegedly shows the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, snubbing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at the West Africa Economic Summit held in Abuja on Saturday.
The video, posted by The Oyo Legacies, a media wing of the Alaafin’s palace, has been described as “misrepresented” and “edited” to portray a false narrative of the encounter between the two monarchs.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Media & Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni had arrived early at the event and was seated in the VIP lounge alongside other dignitaries, including Balogun Lai Labode Ph.D, Kurunmi of Ijaye & Are Ona-Kakanfo-Elect of Egbaland, Bashorun Eniola Fayose, Bashorun Adunbarin Oodua & Awise of Orile-Igbon, and Dr. Ayo Falil Abina, the Asoju Oodua.
The statement revealed that when the Alaafin arrived, he approached the Ooni directly, ignoring his allocated seat, and exchanged royal greetings with him.
The Ooni, in his usual humble character, reciprocated the honour accorded him by the Alaafin, rising to welcome his brother traditional ruler. The two monarchs were said to have exchanged pleasantries and jokes before the Alaafin took his seat alongside his queen.
The palace statement described the viral video as a “deliberate attempt” to misrepresent the cordial interaction between the two monarchs, adding that the Ooni holds key positions as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, and Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers.
The statement emphasized that the Ooni’s position and respect for traditional institutions would not allow him to engage in any conduct that could be deemed disrespectful to his fellow monarchs.
The palace has called on the public to disregard the viral video, describing it as a “mischievous” attempt to create tension and misunderstanding between the two monarchs.
The statement concluded that the Ooni and the Alaafin have a long-standing relationship of mutual respect and friendship, which would not be compromised by any false or misleading reports.
