The Not-So-Secret Rivalry Between Oyo's Alaafin and Ife's Ooni
Discord Arising Between Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife: Underlying Factors Examined
The world of Yoruba royalty is no stranger to drama, and the latest buzz surrounds the surprising tension between the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. A viral video from a high-profile event has stirred up speculation about their relationship, with many questioning the Alaafin's surprising snub to the Ooni.
The video, recorded during a program hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Ibadan, Oyo State on April 29, showed the Alaafin seated while the Ooni exchanged polite greetings with fellow monarchs. The mysterious incident sparked a wave of reactions, leaving many scratching their heads.
Looking deeper, though, the tension between these powerful leaders may have roots that run much deeper. Insiders claim that the friction started as early as March 2025 during a traditional rite in the Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, United States. The Ooni allegedly sent a delegation to the village to conduct spiritual rites, historically linked to the Yoruba crown. However, the Alaafin—still in seclusion at the time—presumptuously demanded that the delegation vacate the village, which he argued belonged to the Oyo Kingdom[1].
A source from the delegation explained, "We were shocked by the call. He claimed Oyotunji was Oyo territory, and we had no right to perform rites there. But Oyotunji leaders were traditionally crowned by the Ooni."
The Coronation Affair
The tension didn't end there. According to our source, the Alaafin failed to acknowledge the Ooni during his coronation ceremony, even after the Ooni attended the event with a 38-member entourage from Osun State. To this day, there's been no direct communication between the two leaders[1].
However, the Alaafin's Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, flatly denied the claims, dismissing them as "deliberate attempts to stir discord." In his statement, Oladele emphasized that the Alaafin had no interest in such distractions while preparing to take on the mantle of leadership in Oyo[1].
Caught in the Crossfire
The Ooni's camp, though, has maintained a different stance. In an official statement, they declared the Ooni totally disengaged in any supremacy tussle and that his position within Yorubaland remains uncontested[2]. And although the Alaafin's camp continues to dismiss any hints of a rift, they've emphasized their commitment to unity and development in Oyo.
The situation remains complex, with the underlying tension between old traditions and new leadership coming to the forefront. Nevertheless, one thing's for certain: the Yoruba royalty watch is more intriguing than ever, as this battle for power between the Alaafin and the Ooni unfolds.
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The tension between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has historical and cultural roots that were recently highlighted by several incidents. Here's a breakdown of the context and specific events:
Background and Positions
- Historical Significance: Both the Alaafin and the Ooni hold revered positions in Yorubaland. The Alaafin is the traditional ruler of Oyo, while the Ooni rules Ife, which is considered the spiritual home of the Yoruba people. Despite their distinct roles, there have been speculations about supremacy and protocol in interactions between them[2][3].
Incidents Contributing to Tension
- Confrontation at a Social Gathering: A notable incident occurred when Oba Owoade refused to rise from his seat to greet Oba Ogunwusi at an event in Ibadan. This led to mixed public reactions, but the Alaafin's camp dismissed it as an attempt to sow discord among Yoruba rulers[1].
- Oyotunji African Village Incident: The rift reportedly started in March 2025 during an event at the Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. However, specific details of what occurred there are not widely reported, but it is mentioned as a starting point for the tensions[1].
- Coronation Ceremony and Oyo State Matters: There are no specific reports linking the tension to the coronation ceremony of the new Alaafin. Instead, discussions between the two monarchs have involved broader issues like Oyo State's progress and Yoruba unity[2].
- Alleged Assault and Palace Incident: Recent reports mention an alleged violent incident linked to tensions between the Alaafin and the Ooni, involving an assault at the Alaafin's palace. However, the exact details and the connection to the royal tensions are not fully detailed. The assault became publicly known after a member of the Ooni's entourage shared alleged photos of their bruised bodies on social media[4].
In summary, while specific incidents like the refusal to greet and the events at Oyotunji Village contribute to the tension, the underlying context involves traditional protocol, cultural roles, and possibly unreported incidents at these events.
- The latest drama in Yoruba royalty centers on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, whose tension might stem from deep-rooted issues.
- Historical rituals in the Oyotunji African Village, United States, might have sparked the friction between the two leaders in March 2025.
- During a high-profile event in Ibadan, the Alaafin snubbed the Ooni, reigniting speculation about their relationship.
- The coronation ceremony of the Alaafin did not escalate the tension between the two leaders, as broader issues like Oyo State's progress and Yoruba unity seem to be at the center of the discussions.
- Amid the royal drama, a violent incident at the Alaafin's palace involving the Ooni's entourage was reported, but the exact details and connection to the royal tensions are not fully disclosed.
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might delve into an investigation concerning billion-dollar operations in Nigeria, contributing to the general news and crime-and-justice landscape.
- The political landscape in Nigeria could undergo shifts, as opposition parties reconsider their decision to defect to the APC, while governors within the PDP discuss unity within the party.
