Traditional leaders in Ibadan have issued a stern warning to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, over what they describe as a serious act of disrespect toward the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The warning came after a tense encounter at the Agodi Government House in Ibadan, where the Alaafin reportedly stretched out his hand while seated to greet the Olubadan – a gesture Ibadan leaders called “deeply insulting to the revered stool and the entire Ibadan traditional institution”.
Following a meeting of Ibadan traditional authorities, including monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, and prominent indigenes, the stakeholders accused the Alaafin of consistently disregarding Ibadan customs and hierarchy.
In a statement signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, ICPI, Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, the leaders described the action as “an embarrassment of the highest order”.
They noted that the Olubadan’s response was measured and appropriate but warned that any further provocation from the Oyo monarch would meet stronger resistance from Ibadan’s traditional authorities, including Kabiyesis, chiefs, Mogajis, and Baales.
The statement highlighted Oba Ladoja’s seniority, age and distinguished service, noting that the 82-year-old monarch is a former senator, ex-governor, seasoned statesman, and successful businessman whose stature, the leaders argued, surpasses that of the Alaafin.
“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool is getting out of hand,” the statement read. “If Governor Seyi Makinde fails to caution him and Ibadan people are pushed to react, the Oyo monarch will regret his actions.”
The stakeholders emphasized that Ibadan people are peace-loving but not weak, stressing that the calm should not be mistaken for fear.
“Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and will resist anything capable of ridiculing them,” the statement added.
They further insisted that Ibadanland has never been subordinate to the Alaafin and that any attempt to undermine the Olubadan stool’s dignity would be firmly rejected.
“Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan but stretching his hand while seated to greet our highly revered monarch is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution. Ibadan mesi o go,” the statement added.
