A resurfaced historical video has cast new light on the contemporary tensions between two of Yorubaland's most prominent thrones. The video features the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, explicitly detailing his central role in the political removal of Rashidi Ladoja from the office of Oyo State Governor in 2006.
The Historical Spark: Adeyemi's Revelation on Ladoja's Removal
The video, which began trending online on January 17, 2026, captures the late monarch explaining the circumstances that led to Ladoja's impeachment. According to Oba Adeyemi, the then-Governor Ladoja had refused to heed counsel from both the Alaafin and the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Adeyemi stated that Ladoja had bragged about being unremovable from office, a challenge the Alaafin said he took upon himself to answer.
The catalyst was Governor Ladoja's decision to dissolve the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, a move that directly challenged traditional structures. In the video, the late Alaafin narrates how he subsequently orchestrated the political maneuvers that led to the governor's removal by the state house of assembly.
From Political Foe to Royal Rival: The Modern Context
Years after his impeachment and a political comeback, Rashidi Ladoja was crowned the Olubadan of Ibadanland. This ascension set the stage for a new chapter in the rivalry, now transferred to the royal sphere between the Olubadan and the successor to Adeyemi's throne, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The historical grievance gained fresh relevance due to recent events. Governor Seyi Makinde declared Oba Ladoja as the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, a position historically held by the Alaafin of Oyo. Furthermore, a recent public event saw Oba Ladoja apparently shunning a handshake from the new Alaafin, though the Olubadan later clarified this was a misunderstanding due to his late arrival and seating protocol.
Mixed Public Reactions to the Resurfaced Video
The old video has ignited a wave of reactions from Nigerians, sparking debates on leadership, tradition, and politics. The comments reflect a divided public opinion on the issue.
Oluwaseun Ojo shifted focus to former President Obasanjo's role, stating, "Now no one is talking about the damage control Obasanjo did here... The present Alaafin should just accept the Obas chairman rotation."
Another user, Justicenfairness, criticized the late Alaafin's actions as captured in the clip: "From this video, Alaafin agreed that the Oyo state house of assembly can pass a law on the chairmanship position... Unfortunately, he asked Alfas to pray for the spirit of error on the governor. No good father does that."
Some expressed concern that the video's circulation was harmful. Rilwan commented, "People that are uploading this video are not helping the New Alaafin. Otherwise, creating more enemies for him." Meanwhile, Wale lamented perceived external hatred towards the Oyo kingdom's legacy.
The debate also touched on the classification of traditional stools. User Laycon Tate remarked, "Kabiyesi Ladoja used politics to become Chairman of the Oba’s Council. He forgot that he is just a second-class king. And that’s where he will belong. Olubadan is a second-class king."
The resurfaced confession from the late Alaafin provides crucial context to a modern royal dispute, proving that in Nigeria, the lines between political history and traditional authority are often deeply and permanently intertwined.
