ALAAFIN ABSENT FROM OYO 50TH ANNIVERSARY OPENING CEREMONY, FUELS TENSIONS WITH OLUBADAN

By Adesakin Adefemi 

The Oyo State government commenced activities marking its 50th anniversary on Monday, but the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was noticeably absent from the opening ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, sparking renewed tensions with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The event featured a welcome address by Governor Seyi Makade and a goodwill message from the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, highlighting the state's progress and achievements over the past five decades.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, by the military government of the late General Murtala Mohammed, with Brigadier David Jemibewon appointed as the first military governor, marking a significant milestone in the state's history.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other Oyo monarchs were in attendance, while the seat reserved for the Alaafin was vacant, drawing attention to the simmering tensions between the two traditional rulers.

The absence of the Alaafin has reinforced the perceived conflict between the two traditional rulers, following a recent encounter between them at the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly, which was widely reported in local media.

A video from the event showed the Olubadan walking toward his seat beside the Alaafin, who had arrived earlier and was already seated. As Oba Ladoja approached, the Alaafin extended his hand for a handshake, which was not acknowledged, leading him to withdraw his hand, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from Ibadan traditional institutions.

A coalition of leaders comprising monarchs, mogajis, baales, and prominent Ibadan indigenes has condemned what they described as disrespect toward Ibadan traditional institutions, insisting that Ibadanland is not subordinate to the Alaafin and arguing that offering a handshake while seated was inappropriate.

The leaders have urged Governor Makinde to intervene, warning that continued silence could worsen tensions and lead to further unrest, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the situation.

The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between the two traditional rulers and the potential implications for the state, with many calling for calm and restraint as the situation unfolds.

The Alaafin's absence from the anniversary celebration has also raised questions about the level of cooperation and unity among traditional rulers in Oyo State, highlighting the need for dialogue and reconciliation to address the underlying tensions.

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