The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has dismissed claims of a rift with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, describing the reports as false and the handiwork of mischief makers.

In a seven-minute, 21-second interview with BBC News Yoruba, the Alaafin said he bears no grudge against anyone, stressing that his actions are guided by conscience rather than malice.

“To the best of my knowledge, I bear no grudge against anyone, for all my actions are guided by conscience rather than malice,” he said.

He explained that false portrayals of relationships among notable figures are not new, recalling how in earlier years bloggers claimed that Fuji music icons Barrister and Kollington were at loggerheads which was never true.

“The testimonies of our traditions and the chronicles of our history remain clear. In this modern age, we also have bloggers whose primary concern is often monetary gain,” he said.

Oba Owoade noted that attempts to sow discord stem from the recognition of the Alaafin and the Ooni as foremost monarchs in Yorubaland.

“Such things are not new; they have always existed. The reason, I believe, is because the Alaafin and the Ooni are regarded as foremost monarchs in Yorubaland. For that reason, some people imagine rivalry between them and exploit it on social media for profit,” he added.

Clarifying that his relationship with the Ooni remains cordial, the Alaafin recalled a recent meeting in Lagos where they exchanged pleasantries.

“For my part, I have no quarrel with anyone, nor am I in conflict with anyone. I recall that we met in Lagos with Kabiyesi Onirisa, where we exchanged pleasantries and demonstrated that there was no division among us. Yet, there are always those who wish to stir up trouble, merely to suggest that one monarch is superior to another,” he said.