The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has clarified why the monarch did not visit the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during his recent trip to Osun State.

According to palace sources, Oba Owoade had initially planned to visit the Ooni as his first stop but was informed that Oba Ogunwusi was out of the country at the time.

Kolade Oladele, the Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, explained that the palace had reached out to the Ooni’s residence to notify them of the intended visit but was told that the Ooni was unavailable.

“We did not ignore the Ooni during the visit. Our team contacted the palace and was informed that he was not around. The Ooni’s palace was meant to be our first stop, but due to the situation, we redirected our visit to the Oluwo,” Oladele stated.

The Alaafin’s visit to the Oluwo sparked speculations of a possible rift between the two revered monarchs, especially after the Oluwo declared that the Alaafin holds superiority over all other traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Reports also suggest there has been ongoing tension between the Oluwo and the Ooni.

Oladele, however, dismissed any notions of discord between the Alaafin and the Ooni, emphasizing that the monarch is focused on fostering unity and progress within the Yoruba nation.

“There is no conflict between the Alaafin and the Ooni. Baba is not interested in disputes. His priority is the unity and advancement of the Yoruba people. We will soon pay an appreciation visit to both the Ooni and Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he said.

In support of this, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, confirmed knowledge of the original plan for the Alaafin to visit the Ooni before proceeding to see the Oluwo.

“I was aware of the arrangement. The Alaafin genuinely intended to meet with the Ooni, but Baba was not in town. There was no snub. Both traditional leaders are committed to working together for the development and unity of Yorubaland,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s palace, Moses Olafare, stated that no formal notification was received from the Alaafin’s palace regarding the planned visit.

“We were not officially informed of any visit. There was no letter or phone call. One of our security officers mentioned that someone from the Alaafin’s palace called to ask if Baba was around, and he informed them that we were not available. Everyone was aware that the Ooni had travelled. But no direct communication was received,” he said.