Inside the Royal Tension Between Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife: What You Should Know

Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife. The Yoruba royal landscape has been stirred by growing whispers of tension between two of its most powerful figures—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The situation came into the spotlight after a viral video captured Oba Owoade seated while the Ooni exchanged greetings with fellow monarchs during a prestigious event in Ibadan on April 29, 2025.

The event, hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was supposed to be a cultural show of unity. However, the Alaafin’s posture in the video left many puzzled, igniting speculations of royal snobbery and deeper issues behind the scenes.

Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife. The Oyotunji Controversy: The Real Beginning?

Insiders told Startsmart Nigeria that the seeds of tension may have been planted earlier—in March 2025, during a traditional rite at the historic Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The village, which dates back to 1970, is renowned as a Yoruba spiritual stronghold for African Americans reconnecting with their ancestral roots.

Following the July 2024 murder of Oyotunji’s traditional leader, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi, the Ooni of Ife dispatched a high-powered team of Yoruba monarchs and priests to perform rites in the community. However, the delegation was allegedly confronted by a call from Oba Owoade—who was still in seclusion at the time—demanding that the group vacate the village.

“He said Oyotunji belongs to Oyo Kingdom, and we had no right to conduct rites there,” a source told Startsmart Nigeria. “But Oyotunji leaders have always been crowned by the Ooni of Ife.”

Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife. The Coronation Controversy: Was the Ooni Snubbed?

Another flashpoint reportedly occurred during the coronation ceremony of the Alaafin of Oyo. The Ooni of Ife, accompanied by a 38-member royal entourage from Osun State, attended the event—but sources claim he was neither acknowledged nor publicly thanked by the new Alaafin.

“It’s the first time the Alaafin and Ooni met since then, and his cold attitude at the Ibadan event spoke volumes,” said a royal insider.

Despite these claims, Oba Ogunwusi’s camp maintains that there is no competition for supremacy, stating that the Ooni’s leadership role in Yorubaland is well established and not contested.

Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife. Alaafin’s Palace Responds: “There Is No Rift”

When reached for comment, Kolade Oladele, the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, dismissed the claims as baseless attempts to create division.

“There is no conflict. Kabiyesi was in seclusion at the time and couldn’t have issued any order concerning Oyotunji,” he told Startsmart Nigeria.
“Also, the Ooni was formally invited to the coronation and was accorded full respect.”

Oladele emphasized that Oba Owoade is focused on governance and promoting unity among Yoruba monarchs, and that any rumor of a feud is mere speculation.

Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife. Why Oyotunji Matters to the Yoruba Monarchy

The Oyotunji African Village, founded by Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I in 1970, is more than just a cultural enclave—it’s a recognized spiritual hub for descendants of enslaved Africans seeking reconnection with Yoruba traditions. Successive leaders in the village have been historically crowned by the Ooni of Ife, strengthening ties to the Ife throne.

Following the tragic loss of Oba Adejuyigbe, Yoruba monarchs from Nigeria have played a central role in performing rituals to ensure spiritual continuity in the village.

Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife. The Conclusion: Royal Protocol or Power Struggle?

While both camps publicly deny any rift, the optics suggest that all is not well between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife. Whether it’s about protocol, tradition, or territory, one thing is clear—Yorubaland’s royal diplomacy is delicate and must be handled with wisdom. Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife

As this story continues to develop, Startsmart Nigeria will bring you updates on the royal dynamics shaping the future of Yoruba culture and leadership.