Ibadan chiefs warn Alaafin Owoade to respect the Olubadan stool, calling his conduct in Ibadan a grave insult to tradition.
Ibadan chiefs warn Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, to immediately desist from actions they describe as disrespectful to the revered stool of the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution or risk facing serious consequences.
Ibadan traditional stakeholders, made up of monarchs, Mogajis, Baales and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, issued a stern warning following an incident at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, where the Alaafin was reported to have stretched out his hand while seated to greet the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Ladoja.
The action, which they described as culturally inappropriate and deeply offensive, has sparked outrage among Ibadan leaders, who insist that such conduct amounts to a direct insult to the Olubadan stool and the collective heritage of Ibadan people.
“An embarrassment of the highest order”
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr Nurudeen Akinade, the stakeholders condemned the Alaafin’s behaviour as unacceptable and uncultured.
According to the statement, the Olubadan’s decision to ignore the gesture should not be mistaken for weakness but rather seen as an act of restraint in the interest of peace.
The leaders stressed that Ibadan chiefs warn Alaafin that any further acts of disrespect would be met with a firm and decisive response from Ibadan traditional authorities, including Kabiyesis, Mogajis and Baales.
Ibadan leaders draw the line
The stakeholders emphasised that Ibadanland would no longer tolerate actions capable of ridiculing its time-honoured traditions. They described the incident as part of a pattern of repeated disrespect towards Ibadan traditional stools.
They further pointed out that Oba Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, surpasses the Alaafin in age, public service, leadership experience and societal standing, noting that respect in Yoruba tradition is non-negotiable.
“The continuous disrespect of the Alaafin towards the stool of Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution is becoming intolerable,” the statement read.
Warning to government authorities
The statement also carried a warning directed at Oyo State authorities, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene before the situation escalates.
According to the stakeholders, Ibadan people have exercised restraint purely in the interest of peace, not out of fear.
“Ibadan people are not cowards. We are fearless, but we have chosen restraint to preserve peace,” they said.
They warned that if Ibadan citizens are forced to react, the consequences could be regrettable for all parties involved.
Respect for the Olubadan stool demanded
The stakeholders stressed that cultural etiquette demands that younger or visiting monarchs show utmost respect to elders and host traditional institutions.
They described it as unacceptable for the Alaafin to sit while stretching his hand to greet the 82-year-old Olubadan within Ibadan territory.
“The Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, but stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution,” the statement added.
Ibadan’s historical position reaffirmed
The leaders concluded by reaffirming Ibadan’s historical independence, making it clear that Ibadanland has never been subordinate to the Alaafin of Oyo.
They insisted that respect must be mutual and that Ibadan’s cultural heritage would be defended at all costs.
As tensions simmer, Ibadan chiefs warn Alaafin that peace can only be sustained if tradition, hierarchy and mutual respect are upheld.
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