After a video of Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, refusing to prostrate before Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, surfaced online, social media erupted with backlash and criticism.
In the now-viral clip, the Mayegun of Yorubaland was seen standing upright while offering a handshake to the highly revered monarch. This gesture deviated from the deep-rooted Yoruba tradition, where male subjects are expected to prostrate fully in greeting, especially before a king of the Ooni’s esteemed status widely regarded as both a spiritual and ancestral figure.
The incident has stirred heated debate across online platforms, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment and accusing the Fuji icon of disrespect and pride.
A social media user, @WakeelMutaleebAdekunle, wrote: “The man called Wasiu Ayinde is too proud.”
Another user, @KingOJ, remarked: “Baba K1 has eaten with the devil. His proudness is second to none and he did this intentionally.”
While some critics lambasted the singer for what they termed “an intentional act of disrespect,” others attempted to justify the gesture.
@PrinceAdeAlao offered a different perspective, suggesting that “It’s the Ooni that called for it. He might have postrated before the clip started.”
Meanwhile, concerns were also raised about the comportment of the Ooni himself. @IbiyemiOkikiola wrote: “Ooni should stop disrespecting himself by shaking everyone and should learn from the present Alaafin, who hardly handshakes random people.”
Another user, @IdrisGana, added: “Our Ooni attends almost all celebrities’ programmes, which is unusual. Disrespect will set in.”
Defending Wasiu Ayinde’s action, @AbdulAdheemDawudIgiOgun stated: “It is his position, sir — Mayegun of Yorubaland. Mayegun will only prostrate for the Alaafin of Oyo.”
At the time of filing this report, neither Wasiu Ayinde nor the Ooni’s palace has issued an official statement addressing the incident.