The recent public encounter between the Ooni of Ife and the newly installed Alaafin has ignited waves of concern among cultural observers, traditional enthusiasts, and those who hold dearly the Yoruba values of honor, decorum, and respect....READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE | READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE...
What should have been a dignified moment of royal camaraderie instead became a scene of cultural unease.
As the Ooni of Ife entered the hall, exchanging warm greetings with fellow monarchs—who all rose to their feet in reverence—something unexpected occurred. When he approached the new Alaafin, the latter remained seated and extended a handshake!.
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That gesture, seemingly minor, carried deep cultural implications.
In Yoruba custom, remaining seated while greeting an elder or a superior—especially a highly revered figure like the Ooni—is considered inappropriate and a deviation from our cherished norms.
This moment was not merely a breach of protocol; it struck at the heart of the Yoruba ethos.
Respect is the lifeblood of our tradition. Eldership, royalty, and reverence are the pillars upon which our culture stands.
The Ooni is not just another royal—he is Olori Alade, the spiritual and cultural father of Yoruba monarchy. He is Agba, the symbol of ancient wisdom and continuity.
However, in light of this misstep, it is important to appeal to the large heart of Kabiyesi Ooni not to take offense. Though it was a cultural slap and a disappointment to many, it must be seen in a broader, more forgiving context.
The Alaafin is newly installed. He is still finding his feet and getting accustomed to the weight and expectations of the crown he now wears. Royal etiquette is not learned in a day; it is absorbed through mentoring, observation, and guidance.
Perhaps this moment also highlights the need for a deeper intervention. Maybe the time has come for the Ooni—whose influence spans beyond the throne—to consider establishing a Royalty Academy: an institution where newly installed Obas are groomed in the protocols, values, and etiquette befitting their sacred roles. Such a noble legacy would strengthen the fabric of Yoruba monarchy and ensure continuity of our royal dignity.
I therefore plead with the Ooni to forgive this cultural misjudgment by the new Alaafin.
Let this not be a moment of conflict, but one of correction.
Let it not become a wound, but a window through which we can build a more united and respectful royal future.
In honoring tradition, we honor our ancestors.
In upholding values, we uplift our people.
Let us all rise—in truth, in humility, and in unity—to preserve the dignity of Yoruba royalty.
Signed
Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq
Usi Ekiti