A brief but charged moment at a public event in Ibadan has ignited a fresh wave of debate over traditional hierarchy and protocol in Yorubaland.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, found themselves at the center of controversy following an encounter at the 2026 interfaith gathering held near the Oyo State House of Assembly.
A viral video from the event shows the Olubadan walking to his seat beside the already-seated Alaafin. As Ladoja approached, Owoade extended his hand for a handshake, a gesture that was visibly ignored by the Olubadan, prompting the Alaafin to withdraw his hand.
The seemingly minor exchange has reportedly revived long-standing historical tensions over status and supremacy between the two foremost Yoruba thrones.
The incident has drawn swift reactions from traditional quarters.
Chiefs and leaders within the Ibadan traditional system have condemned the Alaafin’s gesture, interpreting it as an act of disrespect toward the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution as a whole. They argue that protocol and historical precedence were undermined by the attempt.
The encounter hhassince sparked widespread discussion on social media and among cultural observers.
