The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has reacted to the controversy surrounding a video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at a public event in Ibadan hosted by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The incident has sparked online debates after footage showed other monarchs rising to greet the Ooni while the Alaafin remained seated.

In a statement released by his Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the uproar as a “needless controversy” driven by bloggers and online commentators intent on sowing division among Yoruba traditional rulers.

“This latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise that distracts and detracts from the truly important issues to which sons and daughters of Yorubaland should devote their energy,” the statement read.

Oba Owoade reaffirmed his respect for the Ooni and other Yoruba monarchs, stressing his commitment to unity, peace, and collaborative development across Yorubaland.

He also warned against turning royal engagements into “fodder for digital sensationalism.”

“We call on the public to reject attempts to sow seeds of discord and instead join us in reimagining a Yorubaland where our traditions serve as catalysts for progress,” the statement concluded.

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