- In an event in Oyo State, Alaafin of Oyo remained seated while greeting Ooni of Ife, sparking debate on royal protocol
- While some argue Ooni of Ife is the father of all Yorubas, others emphasised Alaafin of Oyo's territorial control
- Netizens are split on whether Alaafin of Oyo should have stood up to greet Ooni of Ife, citing historical facts and cultural nuances
A recent incident between two prominent Yoruba monarchs in Nigeria has sparked a heated debate on social media.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade were seen in a picture posted on April 30 by a social media user @imakun122 where the Alaafin of Oyo remained seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife at an event in Oyo State.
This gesture has raised eyebrows, with some netizens arguing that the Alaafin of Oyo should have stood up to greet the Ooni of Ife, citing historical significance and traditional protocol. Others counter that both monarchs are powerful in their own right, with the Alaafin of Oyo controlling a significant territory.
The debate centres around the perceived hierarchy and protocol between the two monarchs, with some invoking historical facts to support their claims.
@imakun222 posted,
"Alaafin of Oyo can do better than this sha. After all, Ooni of Ife is still father of all Yorubas ."
Capturing the attention of netizens, the debate commenced as @ariktimmy101 commented, "
Alaafin of Oyo stops at Oyo State. Ooni Ife influence spreads even accross the borders of Nigeria."
After being countered by @playboyLfc who declared,
"One thing about social media is even the clueless will talk on what they don't know about,"
@arikitimmy101 responded,
"Your Alaafin doesn't have any authority over anywhere aside Oyo State. No be same Alaafin wey on him coronation day, Kings no attend. Ooni of Ife is more powerful in Yorubaland. Deal with it."
Other users such as @Stress_free12 believed otherwise, declaring,
“Based on history, the Alaafin of Oyo is a superior king to the Ooni of Ife.”
However, @Zegniyi countered,
,” You are wrong and very very wrong . Ife has been in existence about 200years before Oyo.”
@AdewaleKayode13 added,
“Which history? Research, read and learn before coming online to spew nonsense. Which history have you learnt that placed Alaafin throne over the custodian of the first throne in Yoruba land?”
The discussion expanded to the research of historical facts, as @Call_me_Alade wrote,
“Whether we like it or not ooni is the number one in yoruba land.”
Netizens debate on monarchs' power hierarchy
As the debate continues, @alvin_dayo highlighted the superiority of Alaafin of Oyo, by stating the role of Ooni of Ife as a messenger to the gods rather than the head it the Yoruba monarchs.
“Ooni was even lucky to getting an handshake. Normal normal na irukere he supposed collect.. Ola Alaafin o kere. Na Politicians created thrss mess sha.Ooni is a slave, do you get that now?”
@Captain4rier added,
“Oba ju Oba lo . If you want Ooni to be you all father badly. Drop the Yoruba identity, go with your father and create another identity. Forget civilization, you all are living on Alaafin’s land.”
Clarifying the debate @InnovatorYK shared his view,
“Have you wondered why Oyo/Alaafin was used in pre-colonial administration we were taught in government?Alaafin is the Political, Economic and Military ruler of Yoruba land
Ooni is the spiritual, cultural and “central” ruler of Yoruba land
The both of them are joint Supreme Kings of the Yorubas
Although via ancestry, Ooni is elder to Alaafin.”
“For those who don't know, Alaafin named the south west people Yoruba. Also, it's oyo ile yoruba that is generally spoken and accepted as the right Yoruba language. Why give ur self stress in knowing that Alaafin is the paramount ruler.” @ceokaabslog explained.
The discussion highlights the complexities of traditional authority and the nuances of cultural protocol in Yoruba land.
While many are of the opinion that one of the kings is superior, some netizens defended in a middle ground, highlighting the controversy in a less contradicting manner.
@olookuno05 wrote:
“This is not a sign of disrespect but rather an affirmation of the distinct hierarchies and customs that have governed Yoruba royalty for centuries.”
@OLUWALONII voiced his frustration, declaring,
“Naa you people dey cause issues , both of them knows better why can’t you people just rest and stfu.”
The debate continues, with opinions and historical perspectives being shared widely on social media.
Prior to this mixed reactions from netizens, a social media user @Kemisiri_Yoruba has earlier pointed out the sacredness of the two monarchs and how it cannot flourish in comparison. She stated,
“The stools of Ooni and Alaafin are to sacred for comparisons. You’ll no be able to reach a concensus.
These are the greatest Yoruba thrones on Earth!”
This comes after Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi spoke with newsmen at the Lowa’s palace in Ile-Ife, in commemoration of his 50th birthday, he said the superiority of the Ooni among traditional rulers in Yorubaland is immeasurable.
“Ooni cannot be compared with any other traditional ruler. He is their father both traditionally and spiritually.”
More reactions trail Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo's protocol controversy
@legendary01_01 wrote: “The world sef, Ethnics issue, Political issue, Kings issue, Ahh God aba nah.”
@Olarich0011 wrote: “It's the same Ooni that is standing up for everybody, including ordinary Pete Oduche. Alaafin is a great king, just like Ooni, and he doesn't need to stand up for any human being.”
@IseekRetards wrote: “Ooni of ife is the spiritual king, alaafin is the Supreme head.. know the difference.”
@FolaCoker2 wrote: “In fact Ooni is even older than him. Alafin is not showing a good example as a Yoruba king. Respect is reciprocal. But Alafin can stand to greet Seyi Makinde. Alafin pls do better it’s too early. What you’re fighting for doesn’t worth it coz it’s obvious this man is bigger.”
@femi_oreniyi wrote: “What an insult!!!
Asking Alaafin to stand and greet Ooni??? Why are you guys trying to re-write history??? Stop denigrating the stool of Iku Baba Yeye please. Enough of this nonsense 🙄.”
@Lin1451032 wrote: “What is the history ? Do you even know it ? Google can save you from this embarrassment.. The first aalafin of oyo was Oramiyan the grand son of oduduwa who was the oni of ife .. what does that tell you ? Let your brain come to play !”
@iammakeli wrote: “When you read and understand your history you will realize who is supreme among the two. Iku baba yeye is beneath Ooni any day anytime.”
“E remain public holiday”: Nigerians criticise Ooni for erecting statue in honour of Remi Tinubu
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, faced criticism on social media after unveiling a golden statue of the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State on Thursday, October 10.
Many Nigerians, who thought the statue was quite unnecessary, took to social media to berate the First Lady and the monarch for their insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians in the present administration.