Alaafin’s palace clarifies missed visit to Ooni of Ife, denies rift
The Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has dismissed speculations of a rift between Alaafin Oba Abimbola Owoade I and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, following reports that the monarch did not visit the Ooni during his recent tour of Osun State.
Speaking to The PUNCH, the Alaafin’s Personal Assistant, Kolade Oladele, explained that the Ooni’s palace had been contacted ahead of the visit but informed them that the Ooni was not available. “We didn’t ignore the Ooni during the visit. His palace was our first planned stop, but we had to adjust when we learned he wasn’t around,” Oladele said.
The Alaafin’s eventual visit to the Oluwo of Iwo sparked public speculation of a brewing feud, especially after the Oluwo reportedly declared the Alaafin superior to all traditional rulers in Yoruba land—further fueling long-standing rivalry claims between supporters of both monarchs.
Oladele dismissed the insinuations, stating that Alaafin remains committed to Yoruba unity. “Alaafin doesn’t bear grudges. What matters most to him is unity and development in Yorubaland,” he said, adding that a courtesy visit to both the Ooni and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke would happen soon.
The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, backed this explanation, confirming that he was aware of the Alaafin’s initial intention to visit the Ooni. “The Alaafin never planned to bypass the Ooni. He truly wanted to stop by, but the Ooni was not home,” he said.
However, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, offered a different account, stating that there was no formal notification of the intended visit. “No letter or call was received. Only one of our security men mentioned a call from someone asking about Baba’s whereabouts,” Olafare explained.
He stressed that the Ooni had travelled out of the country at the time and was unaware of any official plans for a visit by the Alaafin.
Despite the contrasting narratives, both palaces insist there is no animosity between the monarchs, and signs point to a reconciliation of public perceptions in the coming days.
