Awkward Moment Between Ooni Of Ife And Alaafin Of Oyo At Birthday Party In Lagos [Video]

A video showing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lukman Gbadegesin, has sparked reactions on social media.

The incident occurred during the 90th birthday celebration of billionaire businessman Sir Kessington Adebutu on October 24.

The two Yoruba monarchs, who were among the dignitaries at the occasion, were invited to deliver short remarks during the ceremony.

After the Ooni of Ife finished his speech, he handed the microphone to the Alaafin of Oyo.

However, before speaking, the Alaafin gave the microphone to his aides, who wiped and covered it with a white handkerchief before handing it back to him.

The move immediately caught people’s attention, with many Nigerians debating the reason behind it.

Some interpreted the action as a sign of disrespect toward the Ooni, while others defended the Alaafin, saying he was only being cautious about hygiene and avoiding possible germ transmission.

Another section of social media users speculated that the Ooni might have unintentionally offended the Alaafin by handing him the microphone with his left hand, a gesture considered impolite in Yoruba culture.

Both monarchs have long been subjects of public comparison due to their traditional influence and perceived rivalry.

The Ooni of Ife ascended the throne in December 2015 after the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, while Oba Lukman Gbadegesin was installed as the Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025.

The video, showing the Alaafin’s handkerchief gesture, has since gone viral, sparking reactions about etiquette, respect, and rivalry among Yoruba traditional rulers.

Watch the video below:

This comes months after Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, demanding the withdrawal of the chieftaincy title of “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” bestowed on Ibadan businessman Dotun Sanusi.