The 80th birthday celebration and biography launch of business mogul Olatunde Badmus became a focal point for cultural discussion after footage emerged showing King Sunny Ade and the celebrant making traditional gestures of respect toward the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

In footage shared by RNC Media, the octogenarian Badmus, despite his advanced age, approached the monarch’s seat and performed a respectful squat in line with Yoruba custom.

The Ooni stood to receive him, and the two exchanged pleasantries.

Musician King Sunny Adé also bowed and removed his hat before the monarch, who helped him rise and engaged him in conversation.

Many Nigerians described the exchange as a display of cultural values around age, achievement, and traditional authority, and noted the monarch’s reciprocal gesture.

The event also marked the launch of Badmus’ biography ‘Man of Many Frontiers’.