People who do not know the facts are the ones spreading these rumours online. I have no rift with the Ooni. In fact, there was a time when I was with the Soun of Ogbomoso, and we both spoke with the Ooni on the phone
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has officially refuted reports circulating on social media suggesting a feud between himself and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The rumours emerged following Oba Owoade’s recent visit to the Oluwo of Iwo, which many interpreted as a deliberate snub of the Ooni of Ife.
The situation was further inflamed after the Oluwo of Iwo publicly asserted that the Alaafin holds the highest traditional authority over all Yoruba rulers in Yorubaland. This claim sparked widespread discussions and fueled speculation about growing tensions between the two esteemed monarchs.
In response to the mounting rumours, the Alaafin addressed the controversy in a widely shared video. Speaking candidly in Yoruba, Oba Owoade explained that there was no discord between him and the Ooni. He clarified that visiting the Ooni had always been part of his planned itinerary, but the meeting had to be postponed due to the Ooni’s prior commitments.
“It is not something you hide. Before we made all preparations for this journey, one of the kings I intended to visit was the Ooni of Ife,” the monarch said. “I informed my PA and Chief of Staff earlier to coordinate the visit, and his aides were also contacted. However, we later found out that the Ooni had travelled to Kazakhstan.”
Oba Owoade went on to condemn those spreading unfounded rumours on the internet, pointing out that misinformation often arises from a lack of knowledge. “People who do not know the facts are the ones spreading these rumours online. I have no rift with the Ooni. In fact, there was a time when I was with the Soun of Ogbomoso, and we both spoke with the Ooni on the phone.”
He urged the public to dismiss the baseless speculation, describing the rumours as fuelled by mischief makers intent on creating division among Yoruba traditional rulers.