Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, have sparked controversy following an encounter at a public event in Ibadan on Monday.
Both monarchs attended the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space, near the Oyo State House of Assembly.
A video from the event, which has gone viral, shows the Olubadan approaching his seat beside the Alaafin, who was already seated.
As Ladoja neared, Owoade extended his hand for a handshake, which the Olubadan ignored, prompting the Alaafin to withdraw his hand.
The incident has reignited historical tensions over status and supremacy between the two foremost Yoruba traditional stools.
The Ibadan traditional leaders condemned the Alaafin’s gesture, describing it as disrespectful to the Olubadan and the Ibadan institution.
In a statement, the leaders, including monarchs, Mogajis, Baales and prominent Ibadan indigenes, insisted Ibadanland is not subordinate to the Alaafin and said offering a handshake while seated was insulting.
They called on Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, to caution the Alaafin against what they described as a “series of uncultured attitudes” towards Ibadan traditional stools.
“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand,” the statement read.
The leaders warned that if the governor fails to act, and Ibadan people are pushed to revolt against such insulting actions, the Alaafin would bear the consequences.
They cited previous incidents they described as disrespectful towards Ibadan institutions and stated that the city would no longer tolerate such behaviour.
“Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless. We have only been suppressing and calming the nerves of our people,” they added.
The leaders emphasised that Ibadan culture and traditions are held in high esteem and anything ridiculing these values would be rejected.
They also said it was inappropriate for the Alaafin to remain seated while extending his hand to greet the 82-year-old Olubadan within Ibadan territory.
“Oba Ladoja is a former senator, a former governor, an international figure and a successful businessman,” they said.
“The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution.”
Governor Makinde did not comment on the altercation when posting about the event on his Facebook page.
He said the gathering allowed residents to “thank God together irrespective of our faiths and fosters unity in diversity.”
He also expressed appreciation to the state’s civil servants for their contributions and announced plans to “approve the 2025 promotion file today.”