Ibadan Traditional Stakeholders Warn Alaafin Owoade Over Alleged Disrespect To Olubadan

Traditional stakeholders of Ibadanland have issued a strong warning to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, over what they described as repeated acts of disrespect toward the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the entire Ibadan traditional institution The warning followed an incident that reportedly occurred at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, during a public function attended by prominent traditional rulers and government officials.

According to the stakeholders,the Alaafin, while seated, allegedly stretched out his hand to greet the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, a gesture they described as culturally inappropriate, insulting, and unbecoming of a monarch of his standing.In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, the stakeholders condemned the action as “an embarrassment of the highest order” and a direct affront to the revered stool of the Olubadan.The statement,issued on behalf of Ibadan monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, chiefs, and notable sons and daughters of Ibadanland, stressed that although the Olubadan reportedly chose to overlook the incident in the spirit of peace, the gesture should not be mistaken for weakness or acceptance.According to the stakeholders, the incident forms part of what they described as a pattern of “uncultured and intolerable conduct” by the Alaafin toward Ibadan traditional institutions.
The continuous disrespect of the Alaafin towards the stool of Olubadan and Ibadan traditional institutions is becoming intolerable. If Governor Seyi Makinde fails to caution him and Ibadan people are pushed into reacting, the Alaafin will regret his actions,” the statement read.They warned that any further provocation would be met with a “firm and decisive response” from the traditional leadership of Ibadan, noting that peace should not be mistaken for cowardice.“We have records of repeated uncultured behaviour towards Ibadan traditional stools. This must stop. Ibadanland will not tolerate further aggravation,” the statement added.
“Ibadan people are not cowards. We are fearless, but we have chosen restraint in the interest of peace.”The stakeholders emphasized the sanctity of Yoruba culture and tradition, insisting that any act capable of ridiculing or diminishing Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy would be strongly resisted.They further questioned the propriety of the Alaafin’s conduct, particularly given the age and status of the Olubadan.
“The Alaafin cannot come into our territory, sit down, and stretch his hand to greet our highly revered 82-year-old Olubadan,” they stated The statement went on to underscore the personal and institutional stature of Oba Adewolu Ladoja, describing him as superior in age, experience, and accomplishments.“Oba Ladoja is a former Senator, former Governor, an international figure, and a successful businessman. He excels beyond Oba Owoade in age, achievements, social standing, political exposure, business success, leadership pedigree, and his role as the custodian of Ibadan traditional affairs,” the stakeholders said.They stressed that even if the Alaafin chose not to greet the Olubadan, doing so while seated was unacceptable and amounted to a direct insult not just to the monarch but to the entire Ibadan traditional institution “The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution,” the statement declared.Reaffirming Ibadan’s historical independence and pride, the stakeholders concluded by rejecting any notion of subordination to the Oyo throne.“Ibadanland has never been subordinate to the Alaafin. Ibadan people know their history and will defend their heritage at all times,” they The group called on Oyo State Governor,Seyi Makinde, to intervene by cautioning the Alaafin in the interest of peace and mutual respect among traditional institutions in the state, warning that failure to do so could escalate tensions unnecessarily
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Alaafin’s palace regarding the allegations.