A fresh controversy has erupted in Oyo State following a public encounter between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, at an interfaith event in Ibadan, reigniting age-long tensions over status and supremacy among Yoruba traditional institutions.
The incident occurred on Monday at the 2026 Interfaith Gathering held at the Grand Space, near the Oyo State House of Assembly, and has since sparked intense debate after a video of the moment went viral on social media.
In the footage, Oba Ladoja is seen approaching his seat beside the Alaafin, who had arrived earlier and was already seated. As the Olubadan drew closer, the Alaafin stretched out his hand in greeting.
However, the gesture was ignored, prompting the Alaafin to withdraw his hand awkwardly as onlookers watched.
The development has reopened long-standing historical rivalries between the two foremost Yoruba stools, particularly over claims of seniority and traditional authority.
Reacting strongly, Ibadan traditional leaders described the Alaafin’s action as disrespectful, insisting that Ibadanland is not subordinate to Oyo.
They argued that offering a handshake while seated to the Olubadan—especially within Ibadan territory—amounted to an insult to the Ibadan traditional institution.
In a joint statement issued by Ibadan monarchs, mogajis, baales and prominent indigenes, the leaders accused the Alaafin of what they termed a “pattern of uncultured conduct” towards Ibadan traditional stools.
“The Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and the Ibadan traditional institution is getting out of hand,” the statement read.
They urged Governor Seyi Makinde to caution the Alaafin, warning that continued provocation could spark open resistance from Ibadan indigenes.
“If the governor fails to call him to order and Ibadan people are pushed to revolt against these repeated insults, the Alaafin will have only himself to blame,” the statement added.
The leaders said Ibadanland had tolerated similar incidents in the past in the interest of peace but warned that such restraint was wearing thin.
“Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless. We have only been suppressing and calming the nerves of our people,” they said.
They further described it as unacceptable for the Alaafin to remain seated while extending a handshake to the 82-year-old Olubadan, whom they noted is a former governor, senator and respected international figure.
“The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching out his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde avoided commenting directly on the incident. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he focused on the purpose of the gathering, describing it as an avenue for residents to “thank God together irrespective of faith” and promote unity in diversity.
The governor also commended civil servants in the state for their contributions to development and announced plans to approve the 2025 promotion exercise.
Despite the governor’s silence on the controversy, the incident continues to generate strong reactions across Oyo State, with many calling for urgent intervention to prevent the traditional disagreement from escalating into a wider cultural and political crisis.
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