Ajisebi Oyo Radio & TV

Press Statement: Alaafin’s Media Team: Competent and Professional

The attention of the Office of the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo has been drawn to a media report attributed to the Ooni of Ife, headlined, “Alaafin of Oyo a Man of Peace, His Media Handlers Behind Feud Rumours — Ooni.”

In the said report, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, through his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Moses Olafare, described a recent encounter between the two monarchs at the West Africa Economic Summit, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, as being misrepresented. Mr. Olafare specifically criticized a report by an Oyo-based social media platform, The Oyo Legacies, purportedly linked to the Alaafin’s media team, for posting a doctored video that allegedly depicted the Alaafin refusing to greet the Ooni, contrary to the true events.

According to Olafare, the Ooni was already seated in the VIP waiting room with his associates, including Dr. Balogun Lai Labode, Kurunmi of Ijaye; Bashorun Eniola Fayose; Bashorun Adunbarin Oodua; Awise of Orile-Igbon; and Dr. Ayo Falil Abina, Asoju Oodua, when the Alaafin, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, Elewuetu I, arrived. Olafare claimed the Alaafin, in his royal candor, bypassed his allocated seat to approach the Ooni for greetings, and the Ooni reciprocated with humility, exchanging pleasantries and light-hearted banter before the Alaafin took his seat beside his queen.

Olafare concluded by suggesting that the Alaafin’s media team requires training in work ethics and protocols of principal image management, emphatically stating, “Alaafin’s Media Team Must Be Regiged!!!”

The Office of the Alaafin finds this statement insulting, derogatory, and unbecoming of the Ooni’s revered position, as it ridicules the esteemed institution of the Alaafin, the Titan of Yorubaland, by labeling his media team as incompetent and untrained. Such remarks are not only unwarranted but also diminish the dignity of the Alaafin’s palace.

For clarity, the Alaafin’s Media Team is composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals, led by a seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience as the Director of Media and Publicity. This team adeptly navigates the dynamic landscape of communication, technology, and audience engagement, balancing creative vision with analytical precision. The Alaafin, a visionary leader, ensures his team is equipped with the requisite skills and opportunities for continuous professional development, reflecting his commitment to excellence.

Regarding the encounter at the summit, Olafare’s narrative is misleading. The VIP room’s seating was untagged, allowing any dignitary to sit freely. As the Alaafin entered, the Ooni promptly stood, approached, and greeted him warmly. Both monarchs exchanged pleasantries cordially, after which the Alaafin sat beside the Obong of Calabar, who was already seated next to the Ooni. This account reflects the mutual respect between the two monarchs, contrary to the distorted narrative propagated by the Ooni’s media team.

The institution of the Alaafin, as the Head of Yorubaland, is too formidable to be subjected to public mockery or misrepresentation. The Alaafin’s Palace hereby demands an unreserved apology from the Ooni’s Palace for denigrating the revered institution of Iku Baba Yeye by disparaging his media personnel as incompetent.

Signed, 
Bode Durojaiye 
Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo 
Date: 08:11 AM WAT, Tuesday, June 24, 2025