A viral video capturing Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lukman Gbadegesin, has taken over social media, stirring mixed reactions from Nigerians.

The clip, recorded during the 90th birthday celebration of business mogul Sir Kessington Adebutu in Lagos, captured what seemed like an awkward moment between the two revered Yoruba monarchs.

During the event, both traditional rulers were invited to give short remarks. After the Ooni concluded his speech, he handed the microphone to the Alaafin.

However, before speaking, the Alaafin was seen handing the microphone to his aides to cover it with a handkerchief, a gesture that immediately caught public attention and set social media abuzz.

While some viewers interpreted the act as disrespectful toward the Ooni, others defended it as a hygienic precaution, suggesting there was nothing personal about it.

Some also suggested that the Ooni of Ife might have offended him by handing over the microphone with his left hand.

The video has reignited old speculations about subtle rivalry or royal tension between the thrones of Ife and Oyo, two of the most historically powerful seats in Yoruba land.

The Ooni of Ife was crowned in December 2015, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, while the Alaafin of Oyo ascended the throne in April 2025.

Watch video below…

This video of the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo has got a lot of people talking on the internet! 👀 pic.twitter.com/72jMhig9N2

— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) October 25, 2025