Ibadan traditional leaders, including monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, and prominent indigenes, have cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against disrespecting the Olubadan stool and the Ibadan traditional institution.
The warning followed an incident at Agodi Government House, Ibadan, where Oba Owoade reportedly extended his hand to greet Oba Adewolu Ladoja while the Olubadan was seated—a gesture the stakeholders described as a serious insult to both Oba Ladoja and the Ibadan traditional establishment.
In a statement, President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, condemned the act as “an embarrassment of the highest order.”
They noted that the Olubadan’s response was appropriate and served as a warning, stressing that any further affronts from Oba Owoade would be met with stronger reactions from Ibadan’s traditional authorities, including Kabiyesis, Chiefs, Mogajis, and Baales.
The stakeholders highlighted Oba Ladoja’s seniority, achievements, leadership record, and contributions to Ibadan’s socio-political and business landscape, emphasising that his stature surpasses that of Oba Owoade.
They reaffirmed their readiness to act decisively against any actions that could undermine the dignity of the Ibadan traditional institution.
According to the statement, “Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand. If Governor Seyi Makinde doesn’t caution him, and Ibadan people (Including Mogajis, Baales, Chiefs, etc.) were pushed to revolt against his insulting action against Olubadan, the Oyo monarch will hate himself.
“We have on record a series of his uncultured attitude towards Ibadan traditional stools, this has to stop as Ibadanland will not tolerate his further aggrandizement.
“Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless, we are just suppressing and calming the nerves of our people.
“Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and hold them in high esteem; anything that is capable of ridiculing the culture and traditions of Ibadan will be rejected by the people of Ibadan land.
“Alaafin cannot come to our territory, while sitting down and stretching his hand to shake our highly revered 82-year old Olubadan.
“Oba Ladoja was a former Senator, a former Governor, an international figure, and a successful businessman.
“Alaafin may choose not to greet Oba Ladoja, but stretching hands while on the seat to greet Olubadan is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution.”
“Ibadanland has never once been a subordinate to Alaafin, Ibadan mesi o go.”
NAN
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