Ibadan traditional stakeholders have issued a stern warning to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, over what they described as a gross act of disrespect toward the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The warning followed a tense incident at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, where the Alaafin was said to have stretched his hand while seated to greet the Olubadan – an action Ibadan leaders described as deeply insulting to the revered stool and the entire Ibadan traditional institution.
Rising from a meeting of Ibadan traditional authorities, including monarchs, Mogajis, Baales and prominent indigenes, the stakeholders accused the Alaafin of repeatedly showing disregard for Ibadan customs and hierarchy.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr Nurudeen Akinade, the leaders described the act as “an embarrassment of the highest order.”
They said the Olubadan’s reaction to the incident was restrained and appropriate, stressing that any further provocation from the Oyo monarch would attract stronger resistance from Ibadan’s traditional authorities, including Kabiyesis, chiefs, Mogajis and Baales.
The statement emphasised Oba Ladoja’s seniority, age and record of service, noting that the 82-year-old monarch is a former senator, former governor, seasoned statesman and successful businessman, whose stature, they argued, surpasses that of the Alaafin.
“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool is getting out of hand,” the statement read. “If Governor Seyi Makinde fails to caution him and Ibadan people are pushed to react, the Oyo monarch will regret his actions.”
The stakeholders warned that Ibadan people are peace-loving but not weak, insisting that the calm so far should not be mistaken for fear.
“Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and will resist anything capable of ridiculing them,” the statement added.
They further declared that Ibadanland has never been subordinate to the Alaafin, insisting that any attempt to undermine the dignity of the Olubadan stool would be firmly rejected.
“Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan,” the statement concluded, “but stretching his hand while seated to greet our highly revered monarch is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution. Ibadan mesi o go.”