Truth or Twist? Ooni’s Palace Reacts to Viral Video of Abuja Encounter with Alaafin
By Egalitarian Voice
The Palace of the Ooni of Ife has reacted strongly to a viral video circulating online that allegedly misrepresented the cordial encounter between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Elewuetu I, during the West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, the video was described as “edited and misleading,” suggesting a breach in royal protocol that, according to the palace, never occurred.
“The Ooni had arrived early and was seated at the VIP lounge alongside other dignitaries when the Alaafin of Oyo later walked in bypassing his designated seat and came directly to the Ooni for a warm, respectful exchange,” the statement read.
The palace described the meeting as one marked by royal camaraderie and mutual respect, noting that both monarchs shared pleasantries and laughter before taking their official seats inside the hall, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later declared the summit open.
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The video, shared by The Oyo Legacies, the media wing of the Alaafin’s palace portrayed the encounter as tense or unfriendly, which the Ooni’s Palace condemned as “a harmful distortion.”
“It’s disheartening that the Alaafin’s own media team chose to misrepresent such a noble gesture. Their job is to protect and elevate the image of their principal, not expose him to ridicule or public misunderstanding,” Olafare said.
The statement also emphasized the Ooni’s position as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers, and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, highlighting the importance of protocol and dignity at such high-level gatherings.
Furthermore, the Ooni’s Palace revealed that the Alaafin had already booked a visit to Ile-Ife later in the week, affirming the continued peaceful relationship between both monarchs.
Calling for professionalism, the statement urged The Oyo Legacies media team to undergo immediate training in image management and communication ethics.
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“The Alaafin’s gesture was that of a monarch who values unity and respect. He should have been projected as a symbol of peace not controversy. The media team must be restructured to reflect that reality moving forward,” the statement concluded.
Watch the real video of the event here………
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