Ooni of Ife Palace Disputes Viral Video Depicting Royal Interaction

The Palace of the Ooni of Ife has publicly condemned a viral video released by The Oyo Legacies, asserting that it inaccurately portrayed the interaction between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, during the West Africa Economic Summit in abuja on Saturday. The palace insists the video misrepresented a cordial exchange between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs.

Palace statement Clarifies Royal Encounter

According to a statement released on Sunday by Otunba Moses Olafare,Director of media & Public Affairs at the Ooni’s palace,the Ooni,in his capacity as Co-chairman of the National Council of traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Permanent chairman of the Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers (SNCTR),arrived early at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and was seated in the VIP lounge with other dignitaries. The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria plays a crucial advisory role to the government on matters concerning traditional values and culture.

The statement emphasized that the video, disseminated by The Oyo legacies, a media outlet associated with the Alaafin’s palace, selectively depicted the Alaafin seemingly refusing to greet the Ooni. the Ooni’s palace contends that this is a false portrayal of the Alaafin’s actual conduct during the summit.

Did You Know? The Ooni of Ife is considered the spiritual leader of the Yoruba people, while the Alaafin of Oyo holds a significant past and political position.

Details of the Royal Interaction

The Ooni’s palace elaborated that upon the Alaafin’s arrival, he directly approached the Ooni in a display of respect and camaraderie. The statement described how Oba Akeem Owoade bypassed his assigned seat to greet the Ooni, who reciprocated the gesture. This account contrasts sharply with the narrative presented in the viral video.

“His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Akeem Owoade, elewuetu I, few minutes later arrived his own royal candour and walked straight (even ignoring his allocated seat) to the Ooni’s seat for royal greetings while the Arole Oduduwa (in his usual 2nd-To-None humble character) reciprocated the honor accorded him the Alaafin as he rose to welcome his brother traditional ruler while both exchanged pleasantries and few jokes before Alaafin eventually went to take his seat he had earlier bypassed alongside his amiable queen”, the statement continued.

the palace further clarified that both monarchs were later seated in the main hall according to protocol, with the Ooni entering first, followed by the Alaafin, before the commencement of the summit, which was to be inaugurated by Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Criticism of Media Representation

The Ooni’s Palace expressed disappointment with the “arrogance” displayed in the video released by Oyo Legacies, arguing that it failed to accurately portray the Alaafin’s positive interaction with the Ooni and other dignitaries. The palace urged the Alaafin’s media team to undergo training to better manage their principal’s public image. Effective media management is crucial for maintaining positive public perception, as highlighted by PwC’s insights on crisis management and communication.

Pro Tip: Media teams should prioritize accurate and balanced reporting to foster trust and respect for their principals.

The statement concluded by noting that the alaafin had expressed his intention to visit the Ooni in Ile-Ife,underscoring the amicable nature of their relationship.

Key Details of the Royal Encounter

Questions for Discussion