The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has publicly addressed his notable absence from the ceremony inaugurating the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The event, which took place on January 16, 2026, has sparked significant discourse regarding protocol and tradition within the state's revered monarchical system.
A Royal Snub Rooted in Protocol
Through his spokesperson, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin clarified that his non-attendance was a direct result of being sidelined in crucial consultations. Governor Seyi Makinde did not engage him in discussions concerning the newly instituted rotational chairmanship of the council before proceeding with the inauguration. The governor, at the House of Chiefs within the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex in Agodi, Ibadan, formally installed Oba Ladoja to lead the council for a two-year term.
This move followed the legislative passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, designed to bolster traditional institutions. Governor Makinde announced that the chairmanship would rotate every two years among three paramount rulers: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
Public Backlash and Historical Concerns
The development triggered a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians criticizing the governor's approach. A significant point of contention revolves around perceived historical hierarchy. One social media user, Jshow, argued, "The Alaafin is the supreme king of the entire Oyo Empire. Historically, the Alaafin facilitated the crowning of the Oba of Ibadan... The Oyo State Government has failed to preserve the culture of Yorubas."
Other commentators questioned the rotational model itself. Moses Ugwummadu noted, "Everyone knows that by hierarchy, the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo is superior... you should have been generous to concede the Alaafin great obeisance." Conversely, some like Sean Candy advised the Alaafin to focus on internal reconciliation with his traditional council, the Oyo Mesi, acknowledging that "This isn't the old Oyo Empire today."
Clarifications and Underlying Tensions
In a related development, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has previously addressed claims that he snubbed the Alaafin at a public event. He attributed the incident to social media misinterpretation, citing his late arrival and seating protocol as the cause for the perceived disrespect.
However, the core issue remains the Alaafin's firm rejection of the rotational chairmanship agreement as presented. His palace insists he never endorsed such an arrangement involving himself, the Olubadan, and the Soun. This stance, coupled with the lack of prior consultation, frames the current controversy not merely as a personal slight but as a matter of due process and cultural precedence. The situation highlights the delicate balance modern governance must strike with deep-seated traditional structures in Nigeria.
