A trending video featuring the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lukman Gbadegesin, has stirred a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
The viral clip, filmed during the 90th birthday celebration of business mogul Sir Kessington Adebutu in Lagos, captured what appeared to be a slightly tense exchange between the two highly respected Yoruba monarchs.
The Viral Moment
In the footage, both traditional rulers were invited to deliver brief remarks at the event. After the Ooni of Ife concluded his speech, he politely handed the microphone to the Alaafin.
However, before speaking, the Alaafin was seen giving the microphone to his aide, who then covered it with a handkerchief — a gesture that quickly caught public attention and set social media buzzing.
While some observers interpreted the act as a subtle sign of disrespect toward the Ooni, others argued it was simply a hygienic measure, unrelated to any personal issue.
Speculations and Reactions
Several online users also pointed out that the Ooni had handed over the microphone with his left hand, which some consider culturally inappropriate, suggesting that might have prompted the Alaafin’s reaction.
The incident has since reignited long-standing speculation about a quiet rivalry between the royal stools of Ife and Oyo, two of the most influential thrones in Yoruba history.
The Ooni of Ife ascended the throne in December 2015, succeeding the late Oba Sijuwade, while the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lukman Gbadegesin, was crowned in *April 2025.
