In an unexpected royal gesture that sparked widespread attention, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, was seen bending before the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, during a wedding ceremony in Ilorin on Friday, January 12, 2025. The act, captured on video, has since circulated on social media, leaving many to question the meaning behind the monarch’s bended knee.
However, the Ede palace, in a statement issued on January 14, has clarified the context behind the Timi’s actions, dispelling any misconceptions about disrespect toward the esteemed stool of Timi. According to Tijani Adekilekun, media assistant to Oba Lawal, the act was a gesture of respect aimed at facilitating clearer communication between the two rulers.
In the video that sparked public conversation, Oba Lawal, dressed in full traditional regalia, could be seen greeting the seated Emir with a bow, kneeling slightly as a mark of deference. The image quickly went viral, leading to a flurry of questions about the Timi’s position on royal protocol and the nature of his relationship with the Emir of Ilorin.
“The gesture by Oba Lawal was not intended to undermine his royal stool or diminish the respect due to him as the Timi of Ede,” Adekilekun stated. “Rather, it was a practical move to ensure better communication with the Emir, who, possibly due to age or other factors, was unable to stand up to greet him. This was a gesture of respect, not submission,” the statement read.
The incident occurred during the wedding of Sheik Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa’s son, a significant event in Ilorin attended by many dignitaries and notable figures from across the region. As is customary at such gatherings, Oba Lawal had approached the Emir to exchange pleasantries. However, the dynamics of the exchange were unusual due to the Emir’s seated position.
According to Adekilekun’s clarification, Oba Lawal initially leaned forward to greet the Emir, but despite his efforts, Alhaji Sulu Gambari could not clearly hear the greetings. To overcome the communication barrier, Oba Lawal, who is known for his towering figure, bent down further in an attempt to facilitate clearer dialogue. This gesture of bending was interpreted by the palace as a practical solution to an unforeseen issue during the interaction.
While the palace has defended Oba Lawal’s actions as culturally appropriate and respectful, critics have raised eyebrows over the optics of a powerful monarch bending down before another seated ruler. Some have suggested that it could undermine the prestige of the Timi’s throne, while others have questioned the message it sends about the balance of power between traditional rulers in the region.
However, supporters of Oba Lawal’s actions argue that the gesture should not be misconstrued as anything other than a sign of mutual respect and the desire for effective communication. “It’s not about power. It’s about respect and ensuring that there’s no misunderstanding. The Timi of Ede is a royal figure, and this act was simply one of courtesy, not of subjugation,” said a local historian familiar with the customs of royal gatherings in the region.
The role of traditional monarchs in Nigeria, particularly in the southwestern and north-central regions, is one steeped in history and significance. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, is a prominent traditional ruler who wields considerable influence over the affairs of the Kwara State and beyond. His position in the hierarchy of Nigerian traditional leadership places him in a respected and revered role.
On the other hand, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, the Timi of Ede, holds a similar stature within the Osun State region. The Timi of Ede is considered a powerful cultural and spiritual leader, with a legacy that predates modern Nigerian governance. His actions are closely watched, especially when they involve interactions with other royal figures.
The relationship between the two monarchs, although not widely publicized, is thought to be cordial. Both Oba Lawal and Emir Gambari share a deep respect for the traditions and values of their respective communities, making their public exchanges an important part of reinforcing inter-monarch solidarity.
Since the video surfaced, the public has been divided over the meaning behind the act. Some social media users have hailed the Timi of Ede for showing humility and respect to his senior colleague, while others have questioned the necessity of the gesture.
“I don’t think the Timi needed to kneel down. The Emir could have stood to receive him,” one Twitter user commented. “It’s a strange thing to see a powerful monarch like the Timi of Ede in that position.”
However, others have defended Oba Lawal, emphasizing the practical aspects of the greeting. “Sometimes, it’s not about what we think. It’s about what’s needed in the moment. He did what he had to do to be heard. No disrespect intended,” another social media user remarked.
The Ede Palace has expressed its hope that the public will view Oba Lawal’s actions in the proper context. The statement concluded, “The Timi of Ede continues to uphold the dignity of his stool and the Osun people. His action towards the Emir was based on respect for an elder, not a sign of submission.”
With the clarification from the palace, it is hoped that the controversy surrounding this royal gesture will subside. What remains clear, however, is the continuing importance of respect and communication among Nigeria’s traditional rulers, a theme that resonates deeply in both the royal and political spheres.
