The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has insisted that he will continue to hold the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in high esteem, despite his snub at a social function on Tuesday.

The foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland made it clear that he was not bothered by Akiolu’s action and that he was committed to ensuring unity among monarchs in the region.

Oba Ogunwusi was speaking through the Director Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace on Wednesday.

The Ooni said: “nobody should castigate anybody for doing what he did because of the position he holds and because of his age. Ooni would not stop to accord his colleagues and every category of people the respect they deserve.

“The Ooni of Ife is not ready to make any official statement over what happened between him and the Oba of Lagos.

“He still holds Oba Akiolu in high esteem and what happened yesterday will not stop the Ooni from holding him in high esteem.”