Ooni Was Recognised Before Alaafin At Esama’s Birthday – Spokesperson

Mose Olafare, the spokesperson for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has thrown a shade at the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, in a Facebook post.

Ondopress reported that the Palace of the Alaafin, through its spokesperson, Bode Durojaiye, issued a statement clarifying misconceptions that Oba Owoade was removed from a seat at the birthday ceremony of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Durojaiye lamented that events at the ceremony were misconstrued and spread by malicious bloggers to tarnish the monarch’s reputation.

He said, “Alaafin was at the Catholic Church for the thanksgiving service.

“Shortly after the Paramount Ruler sat down, a message came from the celebrant that no other traditional rulers or other dignitaries should sit beside the Titan of Yorubaland, besides him and his wife.

“As a result, all other invited dignitaries at the Church, including other delegates, sat at the next seats to the Alaafin.

“On the arrival of Chief Igbinedion, accompanied by his wife, the nonagenarian, due to his old age, had to plead, through one of his children, with utmost respect, to Kabiyesi to shift a little so that the seat could accommodate both the celebrant and his wife, which the Alaafin did.

“On the same seat were the former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion and his wife. All other dignitaries sat behind them.

“How logical and sensible for anyone to think that Alaafin could be invited to an occasion by a celebrant of long years of robust relationship, and at the same time plot evil against his revered Guest?”

In reaction to Esama’s birthday, the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, through Olafare, shared a video from the event to support his claim that his principal, Oba Ogunwusi, is superior to the Alaafin. The video showed the Alaafin seated alongside the Esama, while the MC acknowledged the Ooni first before the Alaafin, despite his absence.

He captioned the video, “ESAMA – 91st BIRTHDAY: As the Natural Head of the Yoruba, Ooni didn’t have to be there before being recognised even above those OBAs in presence. No Need To Fight For The Supremacy You Naturally Have. OODUA!!!”