In Yorubaland, age is a crown on its own, by Sulaimon Agboola

What happened yesterday between the Olubadan of Ibadan and the Alaafin of Oyo has sparked unnecessary noise and sadly, much of it is coming from people who claim to love Yoruba culture but ignore the values that define it.

Some are proudly defending the Alaafin remaining seated and stretching his hand to greet an 80‑year‑old Olubadan.
But let’s be sincere with ourselves: when did we start celebrating disrespect in the name of “seniority”?

In Yorubaland, age is a crown. Before titles, before thrones, before politics, we honour elders. Even the most powerful kings in our history stood up for respected elders, priests, and dignitaries. It was never weakness. It was iwa, character.

Public functions demand public decorum. When two Obas meet in public, they are not just individuals. They represent their people, their heritage, and the dignity of their stools.
Standing up to greet an elder is not subservience, it is leadership by example.

Seniority among Obas is not a licence for arrogance. Yoruba kingship is layered, not a straight ladder. Seniority is historical and ritual, not a free pass to disregard basic courtesy. No Yoruba Oba is expected to treat another Oba like a subordinate. That is not our culture.

Respect elevates everyone. When a younger Oba honours an older one, it does not reduce him. It elevates both. It shows humility, maturity, and true omoluabi values.

Let’s stop twisting culture to defend bad behaviour. If we start justifying disrespect simply because “my favourite Oba is senior,” then we are no longer defending tradition, we are defending bias.

This is bigger than Alaafin vs. Olubadan. It is about the kind of society we want to build: A society where elders are honoured, where leaders model humility, and where culture is upheld with dignity.

If we truly love Yoruba tradition, then we must also love the values that sustain it.

May Allah forgive the sins of Oba Adeyemi. May Allah guide and guard Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi (He made the throne an endearment to all)