Ooni Alaafin party video debate
A video showing Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo interacting at a party in Lagos has gone viral and ignited discussion across social media platforms. The event was the 90th birthday celebration of billionaire businessman Baba Ijebu (Kensington Adebutu).
In the footage, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, completed his speech on stage and handed the microphone to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. Shortly after, the Alaafin’s aides wrapped the microphone in a handkerchief before he used it.
Reactions online have been divided. Some critics view the act as disrespectful, interpreting the covering of the microphone as a snub to the Ooni. Others defended the gesture, suggesting it may have been motivated by hygiene concerns—arguing that microphones can carry bacteria. Some even speculated subtle interpersonal tension, noting how the Ooni handed the mic using his left hand.
The background to the debate is a longstanding rivalry over “supremacy” between the two monarchs. The Ooni ascended the throne in December 2015, while the new Alaafin was crowned in April 2025.
Although neither palace has publicly addressed the particular video, the incident has added fresh fuel to their already tense relationship. Many users fear that symbolic gestures like this can deepen divisions rather than promote unity among Yorubaland’s traditional institutions.
