The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has moved to quell rising tensions within the Yoruba traditional institution, dismissing claims that he intentionally snubbed a handshake from the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, during a high-profile state event on Monday.
Speaking through an official clarification on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Olubadan described the widely circulated video of the encounter as a "misunderstanding" that was "blown out of proportion" by social media commentators. The incident occurred during the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering held at the State Secretariat’s Grand Space in Ibadan, an event attended by Governor Seyi Makinde and other top dignitaries.
The viral footage showed the Alaafin, who was already seated, extending his hand toward the Olubadan as the latter arrived. The Olubadan appeared to bypass the gesture, greeting Governor Makinde and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, before taking his own seat. The moment sparked immediate controversy, with critics and traditionalists debating whether the act was a deliberate display of a supremacy rift.
“There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media,” the Olubadan stated during an interview in Ibadan. He explained that his late arrival forced him to move quickly to his seat to avoid disrupting the ongoing prayers, noting that his seat was "sandwiched" between the Soun and the Alaafin, making navigation difficult.
The monarch further clarified his mindset during the procession, comparing it to entering a mosque during active service. “When I go late to a place, I try to bring good news. I was simply trying to take my seat before anyone would say I could not move again,” he added, insisting that selective video clips failed to show the full context of the day’s interactions.
The perceived snub had initially triggered a fierce reaction from Ibadan traditional stakeholders. Leaders, including the Mogajis and Baales, issued a stern warning to the Oyo monarch on Tuesday, January 13. They argued that the Alaafin’s gesture of extending a handshake while remaining seated was a breach of protocol and an insult to the 82-year-old Olubadan, who is also a former governor and senator.
“The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution,” stated a joint release from the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI). The group emphasised that the Olubadan’s stature and age demanded a more respectful approach under Yoruba custom, which typically frowns upon monarchs shaking hands while seated.
Despite the heated rhetoric from their respective camps, Oba Ladoja confirmed that communication has been established between the two palaces to resolve any grievances. He maintained that he did not view the Alaafin’s gesture as an insult, nor did he intend his own actions to be offensive.
He concluded by urging the public to focus on unity and social development rather than "deliberate mischief" found online.
