The Chief Press Secretary to the Ooni of Ife, Otunba Moses Olafare, has reacted strongly to a misleading video released by The Oyo Legacies, the media arm of the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace, describing it as a deliberate distortion of events that occurred during the West Africa Economic Summit held on Saturday, 22nd June, 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday, 23rd June, 2025, Otunba Olafare set the record straight, noting that His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, Elewuetu I, the Alaafin of Oyo, displayed exceptional royal humility and grace by walking past his own designated seat to greet his brother monarch, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, in the VIP lounge before the summit commenced.
“Ooni Ogunwusi, who had arrived earlier, was already seated with invited dignitaries and close allies including Balogun Lai Labode, Kurunmi of Ijaye and Are Ona-Kakanfo-Elect of Egbaland; Bashorun Eniola Fayose, Awise of Orile-Igbon; and Dr. Ayo Falil Abina, the Asoju Oodua. The Ooni reciprocated the Alaafin’s warm gesture by rising from his seat and exchanging cordial pleasantries and jokes before the two monarchs proceeded into the main conference hall together when called upon” Ooni’s CPS disclosed
Otunba Olafare expressed disappointment at The Oyo Legacies for releasing a selectively edited video that failed to capture the true spirit of royal respect and unity displayed by the Alaafin. “The Alaafin did excellently well in his approach to the Ooni in Abuja, and that should have been the highlight,” “Rather than project him as the peace-loving monarch that he is, the video painted a false narrative that is both harmful and disrespectful.”Olafare said.
He emphasized that the role of a media team is to serve as a bridge between a principal and the public, managing public perception with professionalism, accuracy, and honour. “What the Alaafin’s media team did not only misrepresented a noble act but risked stirring unnecessary tension and misinformation,” he added.
Revealing that the Alaafin had even used the opportunity to schedule a visit to the Ooni in Ile-Ife later this week, Olafare praised Oba Owoade for exemplifying royal maturity and diplomacy. He concluded with a firm call for a comprehensive overhaul of The Oyo Legacies team, stressing the need for training in media ethics, protocol, and principal image management.
“Alaafin’s media team must be rejigged,” he declared, urging traditional institutions to uphold the dignity and unity that define Yoruba royalty in both words and actions”. Otunba Moses Olafare concluded
