Olubadan breaks silence over Ibadan incident with Alaafin, clears air over alleged handshake snub

Olubadan breaks silence over Ibadan incident with Alaafin, clears air over alleged handshake snub

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, has rejected claims circulating online that he intentionally ignored the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, at a recent event held in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing the allegation as unfounded and misleading.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan, the traditional ruler explained that the episode was a simple misunderstanding that had been exaggerated, particularly on social media.

He maintained that there was no act of disrespect and that circumstances at the event shaped his actions.

“There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media,” the monarch stated.

Oba Ladoja said his conduct at the function was dictated by protocol and timing, noting that he arrived after the programme had begun and tried to settle into his seat discreetly to avoid interrupting the proceedings.

“When I go late to a place, I try to bring good news. At the mosque, when prayers are ongoing, you wait until they form a line and then you join appropriately. I was simply trying to take my seat before anyone would say I could not move again,” he explained.

Clarifying further, the Olubadan said the seating arrangement placed him between specific royal positions, making it necessary for him to move across certain sections of the venue.

He added that by the time he attempted to return, the situation had already changed as some dignitaries had relocated.

“My seat was sandwiched between Soun and Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I didn’t make any decision to avoid or ignore anyone. Why should I?” he asked.

The Ibadan monarch also expressed displeasure over what he described as deliberate attempts to misrepresent the incident, stressing that short video clips shared online failed to capture the full context.

“If you watch the full video, you will see me greeting people, including the governor. But social media has a way of taking things out of context,” he said.

On suggestions that the incident may have caused offence or strained relationships, Oba Ladoja dismissed such notions, noting that communication had already taken place to clear any misunderstanding.

“I don’t think anyone was being offensive, and I don’t see the issue as an insult to anybody,” he added.

Moving beyond the controversy, the Olubadan reiterated his commitment to fostering unity and long-term development, especially among the younger generation.

“My goal is to unite the present generation and those coming after us. We must raise standards, especially in education, and focus on what truly brings progress to our society.”

His remarks come against the backdrop of intense online discussions about royal protocol and perceived rivalry among traditional rulers in Oyo State.