Netizens React As Osun Govt Clears The Air On Adeleke, Ooni Handshake Controversy

The Osun State Government has reacted to the rumoured rift between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The government described the viral video showing the Governor ‘delaying’ response to the courtesy of the monarch at an event last weekend as a fake and doctored video, stating that it is not the true reflection of what transpired at the event.

A statement signed by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Wednesday said the duo had earlier exchanged pleasantries at the palace of the Osemawe of Ondo, where Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, bagged a chieftaincy title, before meeting at the reception.

Alimi urged the public to disregard the doctored video while the government has uploaded the original videos from the event for public consumption.

The trending video, shared on various social platforms saw Adeleke delaying the reciprocation of a courtesy extended to him by the monarch.

The development was seen as a disrespect to the royal throne by many social media users.

Reacting to the video, an X user @yhettyqueen1 said: Ooni of Ife sef dey messop o. Why you go stand up greet Governor?? 😯 See as he use my Oba wash am 😩

@official_adags wrote: Governor Adeleke too like play, probably be wanna greet the Ooni respectfully and he wants the Ooni to be the last person he greets.

Another person, @Olalekanakogun was of the opinion that: “When some of us say our Yoruba Traditional Institution (Heads) have lost their sting, owing to many salient factors and permitted modernisation rubbish, some will say we are indirectly attacking #religion. I still don’t know why anyone other than a fire-eyed Babalawo, Onisese, Ogbontarigi irunmole should be the ones holding the exalted thrones of Yoruba land.

“…but we prefer to continue staging vigils, holding crusades, speaking in ‘yeye tongues’, laying prayer mats and counting Tasbih in our palaces.
ELÉYÌÍ TO YE KÒ GBINÁ DÀNÙ INSTANTLY if to say legit power still dey.😏”

“Haaaaa, Governor Adeleke Is Really Digging His Own Grave Small Small Oooo…. Why Will You Disrespect His Royal Majesty Ooni Of Ife Like This……… Yi O Leyin Oooo,” – @OlatunjiOlagok5 remarked.

However, in swift counter reactions, supporters of Governor Adeleke denied such claims, noting that the Osun helmsman has absolute respect for the traditional ruler, posting a full video of how the duo greeted and even exchanged banters at the event.

An aide to the Governor, @DukeOfOsun stated that: This is the full video from the event where Governor Ademola Adeleke greeted Ooni of Ife properly, But when propaganda is bigger than what most of you guys especially APC boys has upstairs, this sort won’t be a surprise. ÌMÓLÈ 💡 is for Ooni 🤝

Also, @SodiqTade noted that: “For reasonable Nigerians, this is the full video from the event. Governor Ademola Adeleke greeted Ooni of Ife properly, and they even had a light banter. The two are very close, and HE Adeleke will never snub or disrespect Ooni of Ife and traditional rulers.”