-
Oyo begins 50th anniversary without Alaafin at opening ceremony.
-
Absence linked to tension between Alaafin and Olubadan of Ibadan.
-
Traditional leaders warn against actions seen as disrespectful.
Oyo State on Monday commenced activities marking its 50th anniversary, but the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, from the opening ceremony drew attention and highlighted lingering tensions among traditional institutions in the state.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Kano: ‘I Will Not Abandon Kwankwaso’ – Gov Yusuf’s Aide Resigns
- 5 Health Risks Men Face After Age 40
- CBN to Introduce New Policy to Regulate Debit Card Issuance, ATM Operations
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the event was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde delivered the welcome address. The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, also presented a goodwill message to officially flag off the anniversary activities.
Oyo State, which was created on February 3, 1976, by the military government of the late General Murtala Mohammed, is set to mark its golden jubilee with a year long series of programmes and events.
Several dignitaries and traditional rulers attended the opening ceremony, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, alongside other monarchs from across the state. However, the seat reserved for the Alaafin of Oyo was noticeably vacant.
Observers linked the Alaafin’s absence to a perceived rift between him and the Olubadan, following a recent encounter at the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly.
A video from the event, which circulated widely on social media, captured a brief and awkward moment between the two monarchs. In the footage, the Alaafin, who was already seated, stretched out his hand to greet Oba Ladoja as he approached his seat. The greeting was not acknowledged, leading the Olubadan to withdraw his hand.
The incident later triggered reactions from a coalition of traditional leaders, including monarchs, mogajis, baales and prominent Ibadan indigenes, who issued a statement condemning what they described as disrespect toward Ibadan’s traditional institution.
“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand,” the statement read.
The leaders insisted that Ibadanland is not subordinate to the Alaafin and questioned the appropriateness of offering a handshake while seated. They warned that continued actions perceived as insulting could provoke unrest.
“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 statement added.
They stressed that Ibadan people had exercised restraint in the past but would no longer tolerate actions they believe ridicule their culture and traditions.
