The simmering rift between two foremost traditional rulers in Oyo State—the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja—appears to have deepened following a dramatic public incident that has sparked widespread controversy.
The latest indication of the strained relationship emerged on Tuesday during the 2026 Inter-faith service organised for civil servants at the Oyo State Secretariat, where the Olubadan allegedly ignored an attempt by the Alaafin to greet and welcome him.
Eyewitnesses said the Olubadan arrived shortly after Governor Seyi Makinde and exchanged pleasantries with him before moving round to greet other monarchs at the event. Those monarchs reportedly stood up to acknowledge the Olubadan as he greeted them.
However, tension rose when the Olubadan allegedly ignored the outstretched hand of the Alaafin, who was seated, and proceeded past him before calmly taking his seat, leaving the Alaafin visibly stranded. The moment reportedly triggered murmurs across the venue and has since ignited public outrage within and outside the state.
Throughout the event, observers noted a palpable sense of tension, particularly around the seating area reserved for traditional rulers.
Reactions to the incident have been sharply divided. While some argue that it was inappropriate for the Alaafin to remain seated while extending his hand to an older monarch, others insist that the Alaafin’s stool holds greater historical supremacy and should be accorded respect regardless of the incumbent’s age.
Sources familiar with the matter claimed the tension is rooted in a long-standing supremacy tussle between the two royal institutions.
The public display of acrimony was first noticed on December 15, 2025, during the unveiling of the Oyo@50 logo at the same venue. On that occasion, the Alaafin was represented by one of his chiefs. Trouble reportedly began when the Olubadan objected to being seated beside the Alaafin’s representative, whose seat was placed ahead of his.
The disagreement caused visible tension, prompting intervention by top government officials and politicians. Eventually, the Olubadan’s chair was relocated to a position ahead of the Alaafin’s seat, as requested.
Observers have since questioned the effectiveness of efforts by the state government to restore harmony between the two monarchs. On December 22, 2025, Governor Makinde reportedly held a brief closed-door meeting with the Alaafin and the Olubadan shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Executive Council Chamber in Agodi, Ibadan.
The unscheduled meeting, held at the Coffee Room opposite the photo gallery, lasted about 15 minutes while other dignitaries waited outside. Although details of the discussion were not disclosed, it was widely believed to have focused on promoting unity and peaceful coexistence between the two first-class monarchs.
In recent weeks, social media platforms have been awash with reports of rivalry and perceived superiority tussles between the Alaafin and the Olubadan.
Tuesday’s incident has now reopened old wounds, fuelling fresh concerns over unity, tradition and stability within Oyo State’s revered traditional institution, and raising questions about the long-term implications of the rift among its most prominent monarchs.