Ooni of Ife Stands to Greet Obi Jackson, Sparks Debate

A video from Muiz Banire's birthday celebration has gone viral, capturing His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, standing to greet billionaire businessman Obi Jackson. The footage, shared on Instagram on 26 October 2026, shows the Ooni rising from his seat among other royal fathers, including Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi.

When Jackson called out "Ooni of Ife," the monarch stood, turned around, and shook hands with him before returning to his seat. In contrast, Oba Saheed Elegushi remained seated while Jackson approached him.

The video elicited immediate backlash online, with many viewers arguing that the Ooni's stature should not require him to stand for anyone, especially in a public setting. Critics noted that Jackson's informal introduction, addressing the Ooni solely by title, demonstrated a lack of respect for the royal position.