Olubadan Clarifies Alleged Snub Of Alaafin Of Oyo

By Akinwale Kasali

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja kas debunked the viral report that he intentionally ignored the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, at a ceremony.

Making clarifications, the former Oyo State Governor said that he will never deliberately snub the Alaafin of Oyo. He insisted that the incident was neither intentional nor disrespectful.

The former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria described the incident as a misunderstanding that has been blown out of proportion, stressing that his actions were guided by circumstance rather than any form of royal discourtesy.

“There was no intention whatsoever,” the Olubadan said firmly.

“What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media.”

According to the Olubadan, his movement at the event was influenced by protocol and timing, as he arrived slightly late and attempted to take his seat quietly without disrupting proceedings.

“When I go late to a place, I try to bring good news.

“At the mosque, when prayers are ongoing, you wait until they form a line and then you join appropriately. I was simply trying to take my seat before anyone would say I could not move again.”

Speaking further, the Monarch said that his seat was located between designated zones, which required him to pass through some sections of the hall.

“By the time I returned, I discovered that other dignitaries had already moved, prompting him to retrace his steps.

“My seat was sandwiched between Soun of Ogbomosho and Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I didn’t make any decision to avoid or ignore anyone. Why should I?” he asked.

Oba Ladoja expressed concern over what he described as deliberate mischief by some commentators, noting that selective video clips circulating online do not reflect the full sequence of events.

“If you watch the full video, you will see me greeting people, including the governor,” he said.

“But social media has a way of taking things out of context”, he said.

In an interview with Daily Independent Newspaper, Oba Ladoja was asked

whether he had reached out to address any perceived grievances arising from the incident.

He responded by saying that communication had been made, dismissing claims of tension or offence.

“I don’t think anyone was being offensive, and I don’t see the issue as an insult to anybody,” he said.

Beyond the controversy, the Olubadan used the opportunity to restate his broader vision of unity and social development, particularly among younger generations.

“My goal is to unite the present generation and those coming after us.

“We must raise standards, especially in education, and focus on what truly brings progress to our society.”

The Monarch’s clarification comes amid intense online debate over royal protocol and perceived rivalries among traditional institutions in the South West,  a discourse many observers believe distracts from the stabilising role of traditional rulers in governance and social cohesion.