An interaction between Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, at the 90th birthday celebration of Sir Kessington Adebutu, billionaire businessman in Lagos on October 24, has stirred debate online.

Both monarchs had been called on stage to give a speech during the ceremony. The Ooni of Ife finished giving his speech and then handed the microphone to the Alaafin.

Nevertheless, the Alaafin then positioned the microphone to his aides, who used a handkerchief to cover the microphone before he used it to speak.

While some Nigerians felt the Alaafin's action was rude and uncalled for, others argue that he did it to preserve himself as bacteria can be transmitted through microphones, Others argue that the Ooni of Ife might have annoyed him by giving him the microphone with his left hand.

Both monarch have been in a battle of supremacy since they assumed office.

While the Ooni of Ife was crowned king in December 2015 following the demise of his predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, the Alaafin of Oyo was crowned king in April 2025.