“Yoruba royalty is not a performance for likes,” Oba Owoade warns as social media erupts
A wave of controversy has engulfed the Yoruba traditional sphere after a viral video surfaced showing the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, remaining seated as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, exchanged greetings with fellow monarchs at a high-profile public event in Ibadan.
While most dignitaries stood in customary reverence, the Alaafin’s decision to stay seated—offering only a handshake—has ignited fierce online debate, with some accusing him of breaching Yoruba cultural protocol, and others defending the act as a statement of sovereign parity.
Social Media Court: Guilty Until Proven Royal?
Captured during an event organized by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the moment was quickly lifted from the background of a state function and cast into the harsh spotlight of digital judgment. Twitter pundits and Instagram culture critics wasted no time in interpreting the Alaafin’s action as a deliberate snub—one with deep historical undertones in the ever-sensitive relationship between the thrones of Ife and Oyo.
But as the noise reached fever pitch, Oba Owoade broke his silence.
“Distraction and Digital Drama”—Alaafin Responds with Fire
In a strongly-worded statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin accused bloggers and online voices of stirring unnecessary discord among Yoruba royal institutions.
“This latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise… Our monarchy is not a TikTok moment,” the statement said bluntly.
Rather than bowing to pressure, Oba Owoade turned the tables on his critics, branding the uproar as a distraction from the “real enemies” of Yorubaland: insecurity, poverty, and a dwindling sense of purpose among the youth.
Between Thrones: A Tense History Reignited?
Observers note that while both monarchs have publicly preached unity, moments like these fan the flames of old tensions. Historically, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife have represented powerful and sometimes competing poles in Yoruba culture—one seen as the political head, the other as the spiritual anchor.
So when one king doesn’t rise for the other, it’s not just about manners—it’s about legacy, hierarchy, and unspoken power dynamics.
“We’re Not Clout Chasing Kings” — Alaafin Warns Against Viral Monarchy
Oba Owoade’s statement made it clear: he will not participate in “performative gestures or public spectacles” designed for online applause. He reaffirmed his respect for the Ooni but insisted that Yoruba royalty must not be reduced to “fodder for digital sensationalism.”
“Our thrones stand not in competition, but in purposeful cooperation,” he said, while warning the public not to be baited into “petty drama” that risks dishonoring sacred traditions.
Unity or Ego? Public Opinion Still Divided
Despite the royal explanation, public reactions remain polarized. Some applaud the Alaafin’s composure and refusal to “overdo” tradition in the age of performative culture. Others, however, insist that respect should be publicly visible—especially among revered leaders of Yoruba heritage.
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Royalty without humility is just ego in expensive cloth.” Another countered, “The Alaafin doesn’t need to stand—he’s standing on centuries of legacy.”
Final Word or Just the Beginning?
As Yoruba Twitter continues to dissect the meaning of a handshake and a seated posture, it’s clear that the dust has not yet settled. Whether this is a minor misunderstanding or a deeper indication of shifting power among Yoruba monarchs, one thing is sure: the throne is watching, the people are watching—and in 2025, even tradition isn’t safe from the algorithm.
