Reactions As Olubadan Snubs Alaafin’s Handshake At Ibadan Event [Video]

Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, have sparked controversy after an incident at a public event in Ibadan on Monday.

Both traditional rulers attended the 2026 interfaith gathering at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly.

A video from the event, which has gone viral, shows Ladoja approaching a seat next to the Alaafin, who was already seated.

As Ladoja neared, Owoade extended his hand for a handshake, but the Olubadan did not respond, causing the Alaafin to withdraw his hand.

The episode has reignited longstanding debates over status and hierarchy between the two prominent Yoruba traditional stools.

In response, Ibadan traditional leaders criticized the Alaafin’s gesture, calling it disrespectful to both the Olubadan and the Ibadan institution.

The group, which includes monarchs, mogajis, baales, and other notable Ibadan figures, said offering a handshake while seated was insulting.

They urged Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde to caution the Alaafin against what they described as repeated “uncultured actions” toward Ibadan traditional institutions.

“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand,” the statement reads.

“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 leaders also referenced previous instances they considered disrespectful, warning that Ibadanland would no longer tolerate such behavior.

“Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless. We have only been suppressing and calming the nerves of our people,” they added.

“Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and hold them in high esteem. Anything capable of ridiculing these traditions will be rejected.”

They emphasized that it was inappropriate for the Alaafin to remain seated while offering a handshake to the 82-year-old Olubadan within Ibadan territory.

“Oba Ladoja is a former senator, a former governor, an international figure and a successful businessman,” they said.

“The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution.”

The incident has triggered mixed reactions on X, with some users criticizing the Alaafin’s gesture as disrespectful, while others argued that the Olubadan’s response was equally inappropriate.

See video and reactions below:

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