Alaafin Clarifies What Happened At Igbinedion’s 91st Birthday Celebration

The Alaafin of Oyo has dismissed reports suggesting he was ridiculed during the 91st birthday celebrations of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.

In a statement signed by Bode Durojaiye, director of media and publicity in the palace, it was clarified that the relationship between the Igbinedion family and successive Alaafins has been one of long-standing cordiality dating back to the 1950s.

“Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who maintained a close bond with the late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, extended the same gesture to the incumbent Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, inviting him to grace his annual birthday festivities as royal father,” the statement said.

According to the palace, the monarch and his entourage were received with full honours upon arrival in Benin City.

“From the airport reception to the provision of two limousines and the use of Chief Igbinedion’s special chair, the Alaafin was accorded exceptional respect as the only royal guest allowed into the celebrant’s residence with his full delegation,” it added.

The palace further explained that during the thanksgiving service at a Catholic church, the celebrant requested that no other dignitaries be seated beside the Alaafin and his wife. However, on Chief Igbinedion’s arrival, due to considerations of age and space, one of his children respectfully appealed to the Alaafin to allow the celebrant and his wife share the same row.

“The Alaafin graciously obliged, and on the same seat were the former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, and his wife. All other dignitaries sat behind them,” the palace clarified.

“It is illogical to imagine that a man who has consistently hosted the Alaafin at his birthdays over the years would seek to ridicule him at such a milestone occasion,” the statement added.

The palace urged the public to disregard circulating claims of humiliation, saying: “Those who were physically present at the event saw how the Alaafin was honoured and celebrated by all.”