A video from a recent event has reignited the ongoing rivalry between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I. At Sir Kensington Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration on October 25, 2025, the two Yoruba kings stood side by side to deliver speeches. The moment that stole the spotlight came when the Ooni, with a straight face, passed the microphone to the Alaafin using his left hand—a gesture seen as disrespectful in some cultural contexts.
The Alaafin, quick to respond, signaled an aide to wrap the mic in a handkerchief before accepting it, a move that set social media abuzz. Netizens weighed in: @Abdulsalam5476 remarked, “There’s no love between these kings…
Everyone wants to claim seniority.” @LoveLove4104 called their public spat “annoying,” while @LINTNBRS quipped it was “medicine after death” since the Alaafin initially touched the mic. @ayanfe_iam questioned the Alaafin’s reaction, and @phynofino10 wondered if prior tensions fueled the moment.
The incident, highlighting their ongoing supremacy tussle since Oba Abimbola succeeded Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has sparked debates about unity among Yoruba leaders.
