Royal Supremacy Battle; Olubadan of Ibadanland ignores Alaafin’s public handshake
Royal Supremacy Battle; Olubadan of Ibadanland ignores Alaafin’s public handshake
A fresh wave of controversy has erupted around Oyo State’s traditional leadership following a public incident involving the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The latest episode unfolded at the 2026 Inter-faith Service for civil servants held at the state secretariat in Ibadan. Witnesses said the Olubadan arrived shortly after Governor Seyi Makinde and went round greeting dignitaries and fellow traditional rulers.
Trouble, however, arose when he walked past the Alaafin, who had extended his hand in greeting, and continued without acknowledging him before taking his seat.
The moment, described by many in attendance as awkward and tense, immediately drew murmurs from the audience and later sparked widespread reaction across the state. Those seated close to the monarchs said the atmosphere remained uneasy for much of the programme.
The incident has further split public opinion. Some commentators argued that the Alaafin, by remaining seated and stretching out his hand, breached protocol when greeting an older monarch.
Others countered that the Alaafin’s throne is historically superior and should be accorded deference regardless of the age of its occupant.
Sources close to the palaces suggest the strain between the two rulers is rooted in a long-running disagreement over status and precedence.
Signs of the tension had surfaced earlier on December 15, 2025, during the unveiling of the Oyo@50 logo at the same secretariat. On that occasion, the Alaafin was represented by one of his chiefs.
When the Olubadan arrived and was directed to a seat beside the Alaafin’s representative, he reportedly objected, insisting that he would not take a position he considered beneath the absent Alaafin’s seat.
The disagreement caused a stir until government officials intervened, after which his chair was moved to a more prominent position ahead of the Alaafin’s seat.
The recurring friction has raised questions about the effectiveness of efforts by Governor Makinde to restore harmony between the two revered monarchs.
Just a week after the Oyo@50 episode, on December 22, the governor held a brief closed-door meeting with both rulers at the Governor’s Office in Agodi shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The unscheduled meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes, took place while other dignitaries waited for a group photograph.
No official details of what was discussed were released, though it was widely believed to have focused on easing the growing tension.
In recent weeks, social media has been awash with speculation about rivalry and supremacy struggles between the Alaafin and the Olubadan, and Tuesday’s public snub has only intensified the debate.
Many observers fear the latest development could deepen divisions within Oyo State’s traditional institution, reviving old grievances and raising concerns about unity and stability among its most prominent royal stools.
