The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was notably absent on Thursday as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), as Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council.
The inauguration ceremony took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The development comes after the Oyo State House of Assembly with Seyi Makinde passed the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, a legislation designed to strengthen and streamline traditional leadership structures across the state.
The bill retains the rotational chairmanship system, with the position alternating every two years among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Ladoja, a seasoned politician and former Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025, succeeding the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The event, which various traditional rulers and dignitaries attended, marked a new chapter in the history of the Oyo State Council of Obas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde said the chairmanship of the council will be rotational among the trio of Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomoso-land, with each leader serving a term of two years.
This decision, the Governor Seyi Makinde emphasised, is aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among the traditional institutions in the state. The rotational system, he noted, will provide an opportunity for each of the prominent traditional rulers to contribute to the development of the state.
H.E. Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, with His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as its Chairman. pic.twitter.com/hjKcVb7Kbu
— Olamide (@Iam_lammy) January 15, 2026
Meanwhile, the absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, at the event has raised eyebrows as it comes days after Olubadan appeared to have snubbed him at the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space, near the Oyo state house of assembly.
The inter-faith event, which was organised to promote peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual understanding in Oyo State, attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior government officials and community representatives.
In the videos making rounds online, the Alaafin extended his hand in greeting to the Olubadan on arrival, but the gesture was not reciprocated. The Olubadan was said to have proceeded to greet Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before taking his seat
The moment, witnessed by several attendees, later became a subject of discussion within and outside the venue, with varying opinions expressed on issues of traditional protocol, hierarchy and expected conduct among royal fathers at official functions.
While some observers described the incident as unfortunate, others cautioned against concluding without a proper understanding of long-established customs, noting that traditional institutions operate within defined protocols.
However, speaking on the development for the first time, Oba Ladoja dismissed social media claims that he intentionally ignored the Alaafin during a recent public function in Ibadan, describing the controversy as a needless misinterpretation blown out of proportion online.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the monarch explained that protocol and timing, not bad blood dictated his actions at the event with Seyi Makinde.
“There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate. Social media has simply twisted the situation,” the Olubadan said.
According to him, he arrived slightly late and was focused on taking his seat quietly without disrupting proceedings.
“When you arrive late at a mosque, you don’t walk around greeting people while prayers are ongoing. You wait and join properly. That was exactly what I was trying to do,” he explained.
The Olubadan noted that his seat was positioned between the Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Alaafin of Oyo, making movement difficult.
“My seat was sandwiched between the Soun and the Alaafin. I had to pass through people. I didn’t decide to avoid or ignore anyone. Why would I?” he asked.
He added that a full video of the event clearly shows him exchanging greetings with other dignitaries, including the state governor Seyi Makinde.
“If you watch the complete video, you’ll see me greeting people. But social media only picked what suited a certain narrative,” he said.
On whether he had reached out privately to smooth things over, Oba Ladoja said he did not consider the incident insulting to anyone.
“I don’t think anyone was offended, and I don’t see it as an insult to anybody,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and development, the Olubadan stressed the need for unity among traditional institutions.
“My focus is unity — for this generation and the next. We must raise standards, especially in education, and concentrate on what truly drives progress,” he said.
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