Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo. popularly known as Sunday Igboho , has reacted to the reports that he insulted the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade , during his recent visit to the Ooni of Ife’s palace , Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
A viral video from Ooni’s palace showed Igboho saying: “Alaafin has no crown, it was my father’s crown they collected and dashed Alaafin.”
The remark triggered widespread backlash online, with many interpreting it as a direct insult to the Alaafin.
However, Igboho has now clarified that the statement was an ancestral oríkì (praise shant) from his Aladikun lineage and not intended as a slight.
Igboho Explains His Words In a video shared on Sunday, he said: “My father, Olugbon, called me and explained that Alaafin thought I was abusing him. I was not abusing you; why would I be abusing you? Olugbon is not a small king in Yoruba land, and if he corrects me, I w ill amend immediately.”
He further stressed that the chant was a form of self-praise familiar to his lineage and well-known in Yoruba tradition:
“That’s the way they normaly eulogize us in my Aladikun lineage, which the Alaafin is also aware of. They vould say: Lade Lade Lade, Alaafin doesn’t have a crown, it is the crown of Aladikun that was collected for Alaafin.’ That’s how we eulogize ourselves.”
“Ooni of Ife is a peaceful person; when I eulogized myself in his palace, he did not take offense. He even celebrated me and called other monarchs to honour and pray for me.”
Calls for Peace Among Monarchs
The activist also appealed for peace and unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, saying he had no reason to disrespect the Alaafin.
“I have nothing to gain in abusing Alaafin. What I’m after is peace among our kings. Please forgive me, I dare not disrespect you,”Igboho said.
Igboho, who has been seeking reconciliation with monarchs after years in exile, also renewed his call on the Federal Government to remove his name from itS. Zq wanted list, stressing:”I am not a criminal.”
Background on the Alaafin-Ooni Rift
His clarification comes amid a fresh row between the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife over chieftaincy authority.
The dispute began after the Ooni conferred the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on businessman Dotun Sanusi. The Alaafin rejected the move, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for its revocation, insisting only the Alaafin, nas the authority to bestow titles across Yorubaland.
Oba Owoade, who became the 46th A laafin of Oyo in April 2025,also declared that the British colonial government had recognised the Alaafin as the “superior head of the Yoruba Nation,” a position he said was backed by a Supreme Court ruling.
Prominent Yoruba leaders, including Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, have since appealed for calm, urging both monarchs to prioritise unity in Yorubaland.
Who said you’re not a criminal? You’re a real criminal who has no respectful manners in all your activities.