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| R-L: Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo; Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan; and Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso |
Awarenessinfohub has gathered that a viral video has sparked heated debate in Oyo State, Nigeria, after Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, ignored a handshake from Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, at a public event in Ibadan on Monday. The incident has reignited long-standing historical tensions over status and supremacy between the two prominent Yoruba traditional stools.
The event, a 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly, was attended by both traditional rulers. As Ladoja approached his seat beside the Alaafin, Owoade extended his hand for a handshake, which was met with silence and a snub from the Olubadan, prompting the Alaafin to withdraw his hand.
Ibadan traditional leaders have condemned the Alaafin's gesture, describing it as disrespectful to the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution. In a statement, the leaders, comprising monarchs, mogajis, baales, and prominent Ibadan indigenes, argued that Ibadanland is not subordinate to the Alaafin and that the handshake offer was an insult.
"The Alaafin's disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand," the statement reads. "If Governor Seyi Makinde does not caution him, and Ibadan people, including mogajis, baales, and chiefs, are pushed to revolt against his insulting actions, the Oyo monarch will have only himself to blame."
The incident has brought to the forefront the long-standing tensions between the two traditional stools. The Ibadan traditional leaders cited previous incidents of disrespectful conduct towards Ibadan traditional institutions, warning that Ibadanland will no longer tolerate such actions.
"Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless. We have only been suppressing and calming the nerves of our people," the statement added. "Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and hold them in high esteem. Anything capable of ridiculing these traditions will be rejected."
Governor Seyi Makinde, who attended the event, has remained silent on the altercation. In a post on his X handle, he emphasized the importance of unity and diversity, thanking residents for their contributions to the state's development.
The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between traditional institutions and the government. The Ibadan traditional leaders are calling for Governor Makinde to caution the Alaafin, warning that failure to do so may lead to further unrest.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Oyo State Government will address the issue and what implications it may have for the traditional institutions involved.
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