Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, have sparked controversy after an incident at a public event in Ibadan on Monday.
Both traditional rulers attended the 2026 interfaith gathering at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly.
A video from the event, which has gone viral, shows Ladoja approaching a seat next to the Alaafin, who was already seated.
As Ladoja neared, Owoade extended his hand for a handshake, but the Olubadan did not respond, causing the Alaafin to withdraw his hand.
The episode has reignited longstanding debates over status and hierarchy between the two prominent Yoruba traditional stools.
In response, Ibadan traditional leaders criticized the Alaafin’s gesture, calling it disrespectful to both the Olubadan and the Ibadan institution.
The group, which includes monarchs, mogajis, baales, and other notable Ibadan figures, said offering a handshake while seated was insulting.
They urged Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde to caution the Alaafin against what they described as repeated “uncultured actions” toward Ibadan traditional institutions.
“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand,” the statement reads.
“If Governor Seyi Makinde does not caution him, and Ibadan people, including mogajis, baales and chiefs, are pushed to revolt against his insulting actions, the Oyo monarch will have only himself to blame.”
The leaders also referenced previous instances they considered disrespectful, warning that Ibadanland would no longer tolerate such behavior.
“Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless. We have only been suppressing and calming the nerves of our people,” they added.
“Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and hold them in high esteem. Anything capable of ridiculing these traditions will be rejected.”
They emphasized that it was inappropriate for the Alaafin to remain seated while offering a handshake to the 82-year-old Olubadan within Ibadan territory.
“Oba Ladoja is a former senator, a former governor, an international figure and a successful businessman,” they said.
“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 incident has triggered mixed reactions on X, with some users criticizing the Alaafin’s gesture as disrespectful, while others argued that the Olubadan’s response was equally inappropriate.
See video and reactions below:
Arrogant Alaafin of Oyo ignored by the Olubadan.
If you can stand up and bow for the Gambari, why can’t you stand up to greet Baba wa Olubadan? pic.twitter.com/NbSHVk6frS— Mogheslay (@RedPenofDoom_) January 12, 2026
The Olubadan of Ibadan land, ARUSA 1 Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, ignores a handshake 🤝 from Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1. The moment quickly went viral sparking discussions. Now, many people are wondering if it was done on purpose or accidentally missed handshake. pic.twitter.com/2v30fOfSGh
— Iamowolabi (@Iamowolabi01) January 12, 2026
There is something fundamentally wrong with the Alaafin. Less than a year on the throne, you already have issues with many of your peers.
Irrespective of who is higher in hierachy, in age, in status,in influence Alaafin and Olubadan are not mates! Respect begets respect, you…
— ‘tEMItAYo (@seanelhadji) January 12, 2026
These kinds of headlines do not help the Yoruba image at all.
Seeing two respected Yoruba kings, the Olubadan and the Alaafin, snub each other at an Oyo prayer event is disappointing. Our culture is built on dignity, respect, and unity, not public ego clashes.
We need to do… pic.twitter.com/9gzhR07dKa
— Tommy (@dsexyhunter) January 12, 2026
We have noticed the gang up against Alaafin of Oyo. No matter of their gang up, Alaafin will continue to be their Father but this shouldn’t have been Olubadan.
Snubbing Alaafin Oyo’s handshake won’t stop Alaafin from being the permanent chairman of Obas in Oyo state.🧏🧏🧏🧏 pic.twitter.com/QYsIcg8sCH
— StephenGerrard (@adejare_stephen) January 12, 2026
I think someone should tell the Alaafin of Oyo that respect begets respect. It cannot be compelled. Genuine respect is earned, not enforced.
You only attract respect by showing respect. In that light, Oba Owoade can hardly complain about the snub from the Olubadan, Oba Ladoja.…
— Olóyè T.D Esq (@BolanleCole) January 12, 2026
Alaafin Owoade should’ve stood up to greet Olubadan Ladoja, Olubadan also shouldn’t have ignored Alaafin. They were both wrong.
— Sola (@Advsola) January 12, 2026
Alaafin is superior to any Ọba in Oyo state. I’m from Ibadan (Itabaalẹ Olugbode specifically) Throne is not about Age o, Alaafin crowned us as Olubadan, we used to have Baalẹ. You too can Google search for more knowledge/information.
— Òjó Ìbàdàn (@olaniyiojo83) January 12, 2026
Olubadan is not wrong in anyway. He is old enough to be his grandfather! The law recognizes both as first class kings and Olubadan by ALL parameters is not Alaafin’s mate, not one!
The governor stood up to geeet Olubadan, Soun of Ofbomoso stood up, he sat and eve stretched out…
— ‘tEMItAYo (@seanelhadji) January 13, 2026
I think someone needs to tell Alaafin that we are no longer in the era of the old Oyo empire, and Oyo does not currently hold any special status that would require a 50-year-old Alaafin to sit while greeting an 81-year-old Olubadan. Like I said, they were both wrong.
— Sola (@Advsola) January 12, 2026
You’re not helping Alaafin at all. Insisting on traditions that won’t help. What does it cost him to stand up for Olubadan there. Is Ladoja his mate on a norms? Forget monarchy. We live in a modern world. Ooni is respected today not just because of his throne but his personality
— LITCAF (@topeapoola) January 13, 2026
KanyiDaily recalls that
#Reactions #Olubadan #Snubs #Alaafins #Handshake #Ibadan #Event #Video
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