Alaafin of Oyo honoured, not ridiculed in Benin – Palace

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating on social media claiming that His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was ridiculed during the 91st birthday celebration of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the Palace described the reports as “unfounded, concocted, and calculated attempts to ridicule the Superior Head of Yorubaland and his revered institution.”

The statement noted that Chief Igbinedion and successive Alaafins of Oyo have enjoyed cordial relations dating back to the 1950s—ties that were maintained during the reign of the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and now extended to the current Alaafin.

According to the Palace, the Alaafin was specially invited as the Royal Father of the Day at the birthday celebration, where he was accorded numerous honours, including a civic reception on arrival in Benin City, limousine transportation, and a symbolic chair reserved exclusively for him.

“At the thanksgiving service, Chief Igbinedion, out of respect, instructed that no other dignitary should sit beside the Alaafin except himself and his wife,” the statement read. “Due to his age, the Esama only requested Kabiyesi to adjust slightly to allow space for himself and his wife, which the Alaafin graciously did.”

The Palace emphasised that the Alaafin was celebrated throughout the events, with residents lining the streets in excitement and guests rising in respect as the paramount ruler made his entrance.

“It is illogical to suggest that Chief Igbinedion—after inviting the Alaafin in line with their long-standing relationship—would turn around to humiliate him,” the statement said.

Urging the public to disregard what it described as “tendentious reports by fifth columnists,” the Palace warned those spreading falsehoods that “they are murdering peace and shall know no peace in their lifetimes.”