EXPLAINED: What Really Happened Between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Olubadan

What should have been a quiet, respectful inter-faith programme in Ibadan has now turned into a major talking point across Oyo State, after an awkward moment between the Alafin of Oyo and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

A short video showing the Alafin stretching out his hand while the Olubadan walked past without responding has since gone viral. In a matter of hours, social media was on fire, traditional leaders were issuing statements, and people were taking sides.

But beyond the noise online, what really happened that day? And why has it caused this much reaction?

Let’s break it down.

How It All Started

The incident happened on Monday, January 12, 2026, at an inter-faith gathering in Ibadan, around the Secretariat area near the Oyo State House of Assembly. The event brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, and top government officials, including Governor Seyi Makinde.

As the programme was going on, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, arrived and began walking towards his seat. The Alafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was already seated.

As the Olubadan passed, the Alafin stretched out his hand, likely to greet him. But the Olubadan did not stop. He greeted the governor and a few others and then went straight to his seat.

The Alafin’s hand stayed in the air for a moment. Some people noticed. Phones were already out. The camera caught it.

That single moment is what everyone is now talking about.

Why It Touched a Nerve

In many places, a missed handshake would mean nothing. But in Yoruba land, especially among traditional rulers, nothing is “just ordinary.”

Who stands, who sits, who greets first, who moves towards who — these things matter. They carry meaning. They show respect. They show status.

So when people saw the Olubadan walk past without responding, some immediately felt it was a snub. Others said the Alafin should not have stretched his hand while seated. In some traditional settings, that alone is seen as improper.

That is why the clip did not stay as “just a video.” It became a cultural issue.

Ibadan People Did Not Find It Funny

It did not take long before reactions started coming from Ibadan.

Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional stakeholders released statements warning the Alafin against what they described as disrespect to the Olubadan stool and the Ibadan traditional institution.

They made it clear that Ibadan is not under Oyo and has never been. They stressed that the Olubadan is highly respected in Ibadanland and should be treated as such, especially within Ibadan territory.

Some of the statements were very strong. Some were emotional. But the message was simple: Ibadan people felt their king was disrespected, and they were not happy about it.

What the Olubadan Himself Said

As the issue kept spreading, the Olubadan eventually broke his silence.

He denied deliberately snubbing the Alafin. According to him, the whole thing was a misunderstanding that people, especially on social media, had blown out of proportion.

He explained that he arrived late to the event and was trying to take his seat quickly without disturbing the programme. He said he greeted people as he moved and had no reason to intentionally ignore anyone.

In simple terms, he said:

“There was no insult. There was no plan to embarrass anyone.”

He also spoke about unity, development, and the need for society to focus on things that move people forward.

Is This About More Than a Handshake?

This incident has reopened old conversations about Oyo and Ibadan, and the relationship between their traditional institutions.

Historically, Ibadan has always stood as its own power. It is not a subordinate town. Its traditional structure is different from that of Oyo, and that difference has caused tension in the past.

So even though this particular issue may have started from a small moment, it touched on deeper sensitivities about status, territory, and respect.

That is why emotions rose quickly.

Why People Are Worried

Traditional rulers still command respect in their communities. People look up to them. They represent culture, history, and identity.

When two respected monarchs appear to be in conflict, it sends a signal, whether intentional or not. That is why many people are calling for calm and asking both sides to settle the matter quietly.

Nobody wants a situation where cultural leaders are seen to be divided.

Where Things Stand Now

As at now, there has been no public announcement of any meeting between the Alafin and the Olubadan. The state government has also not made any official statement on the issue.

However, many voices across Oyo State are calling for dialogue and peace, urging both monarchs to handle the matter with wisdom and maturity.

The Bottom Line

What started as a few seconds at a public event has grown into a big conversation because of culture, history, and perception.

While many people saw the incident as a deliberate snub, the Olubadan has said clearly that it was not intentional. The whole situation shows how sensitive traditional protocol is and how quickly things can escalate in the public eye.

For now, most people are hoping that both leaders will quietly resolve the issue and allow peace and respect to return.