A viral video showing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lukman Gbadegesin, has sparked widespread reactions across social media.
The clip, filmed during the 90th birthday celebration of business mogul Sir Kessington Adebutu in Lagos, captured what appeared to be an awkward exchange between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs.
During the ceremony, both traditional rulers were invited to deliver brief speeches. After the Ooni of Ife finished speaking, he passed the microphone to the Alaafin. However, before the Alaafin began his remarks, he handed the microphone to one of his aides, who wrapped it with a handkerchief a move that immediately caught the attention of many and set social media buzzing.
Reactions have been divided: while some viewed the gesture as a sign of disrespect toward the Ooni, others defended it as a simple hygiene precaution without any hidden meaning. Some commenters even speculated that the Ooni’s use of his left hand to hand over the microphone might have been considered offensive.
The incident has reignited old talks about a possible rivalry or subtle tension between the royal thrones of Ife and Oyo two of the most influential kingdoms in Yoruba history.
Oba Ogunwusi became the Ooni of Ife in December 2015 after the death of Oba Sijuwade, while Oba Gbadegesin was crowned Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025.
Watch the video below…