The media team of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has strongly refuted recent criticisms from the spokesperson of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, over a viral video depicting the interaction between the two monarchs at the West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja.
In a statement issued to Leadership on Monday, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, dismissed the Ooni’s camp’s call for an overhaul of the Alaafin’s media team as “insulting and derogatory.” He insisted that the team is composed of highly qualified, experienced professionals who do not require external validation or retraining.
The statement was in response to remarks made by Otunba Moses Olafare, the spokesperson for the Ooni of Ife, who accused an Oyo-based social media platform, The Oyo Legacies, allegedly linked to the Alaafin’s media team, of misrepresenting the encounter between the two Yoruba monarchs in Abuja.
Olafare claimed the video posted by the platform was doctored to suggest that the Alaafin ignored the Ooni during the meeting, and he further called for the Alaafin’s media team to undergo training on professional ethics and image management.
“All Baba should do is ensure that the palace media team be subjected to trainings in the areas of work ethics and protocols of Principal’s Image Management,” Olafare stated, adding, “The Alaafin’s media team must be rejigged.”
However, Durojaiye countered these remarks, emphasizing that the Alaafin’s media department is not only intact but also deeply grounded in both modern and traditional communication practices.
“It is most unfortunate and utterly disrespectful for the spokesman of the Ooni to label the media team of the Alaafin — a revered institution and titan of Yoruba land — as incompetent and untrained,” Durojaiye said. “His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, would never surround himself with amateurs.
The Alaafin appointed a seasoned journalist with nearly 30 years of professional experience as Director of Media — someone who understands the dynamic world of communications and has navigated decades of technological and media evolution.”
He further stated that the media team comprises skilled professionals across both conventional and digital platforms, who are capable of strategic image-building and public communication. “Their expertise blends creative vision with analytical acuity, making them an effective and goal-oriented media force,” he added.
Durojaiye also clarified the events at the conference, directly contradicting Olafare’s version. “The claim that the Alaafin walked past the Ooni and refused to greet him is a falsehood. There were no labeled seats at the VIP section. As the Alaafin entered, the Ooni stood up and greeted him. Both monarchs exchanged warm pleasantries, and the Alaafin later sat next to the Obong of Calabar, who had already taken a seat near the Ooni,” he explained.
He expressed disappointment that the palace of the Ooni would issue what he described as misleading and inflammatory statements. “It is regrettable that the Ooni’s team is being economical with the truth. The revered throne of the Alaafin is too dignified to be dragged into petty controversy, let alone public mockery.”
Asserting the authority and prominence of the Alaafin’s royal institution in Yoruba land, Durojaiye concluded by demanding a formal apology. “The Alaafin’s Palace hereby requests an unreserved apology from the Ooni’s Palace for making derogatory and damaging remarks about the professionalism and integrity of Iku Baba Yeye’s media personnel.”
Meanwhile, The Oyo Legacies, the social media platform accused of publishing the controversial video, has distanced itself from the allegations. Dotun Oladele, owner of the Facebook page linked to the post, denied any involvement in sharing or editing such a video.
“The claims made by Mr. Olafare are both defamatory and baseless,” Oladele stated. “I never attended any event in Abuja with the Alaafin, nor did I post any video suggesting a rift. I challenge Olafare to provide proof. As the legal principle goes, ‘he who asserts must prove.’”
Oladele further accused Olafare of slander, adding, “This is a deliberate attempt to damage my reputation. The public deserves the truth, and I urge everyone to scrutinize the facts. The real question is — who needs retraining in journalistic ethics: me or him?”