Alaafin disputes claims of lateness at Oyo university event
The Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, has rejected allegations that he arrived three hours late to a university event without apologising. The claims were made by Ademola Dasylva, a professor at the University of Ibadan, who criticised the monarch’s conduct at the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies. The monarch’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, insisted that the Alaafin’s arrival was in line with a schedule communicated to organisers beforehand. The palace has demanded a retraction and apology from the professor.
What we know
- Ademola Dasylva alleged that the Alaafin arrived at 12:20pm for an event scheduled to start at 9am, keeping dignitaries waiting for over three hours.
- The professor criticised the lack of an apology from the monarch or his representatives for the delay.
- Bode Durojaiye stated that the Alaafin’s arrival time was communicated in advance and that the monarch did not arrive late.
- The palace described the professor’s remarks as reckless and culturally injurious, demanding a retraction and apology.
- Dasylva was not part of the event’s protocol team and was said to be unaware of the correspondence between the palace and the university.
