KEY POINTS

• Viral footage from an Ibadan event shows the Olubadan ignoring a handshake offered by the Alaafin
• Ibadan traditional leaders describe the gesture as disrespectful and warn against repeat incidents
• Governor Seyi Makinde has not commented directly on the controversy

A short conversation between two of southwest Nigeria’s most important traditional leaders – the Oubadan and the Alaafin – has sparked a lot of public debate and brought up old issues about status and protocol.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, were both at the 2026 interfaith gathering in Ibadan on Monday. The Grand Space, which is near the Oyo State House of Assembly, hosted the event. Important government officials and religious leaders were there.

A video of the event that is now going viral on social media shows the Olubadan walking up to his seat next to the Alaafin, who was already sitting down. Owoade reached out his hand to greet Ladoja as he got closer. The Olubadan walked by without acknowledging the gesture, so the Alaafin pulled his hand back.

Ibadan leaders push back

The video quickly got people in Oyo State talking, especially Ibadan traditional leaders, who released a strongly worded statement condemning what they called an attack on the Olubadan stool.

A group of kings, mogajis, baales, and well-known locals said that Ibadanland is not under the Alaafin’s authority and that offering a handshake while sitting down was disrespectful.

They asked Governor Seyi Makinde to warn the Alaafin that more incidents like this could make things worse. The leaders said that the people of Ibadan had been patient in the past, but they would no longer put up with actions that made fun of their customs.

They also said it was wrong for the Alaafin to stay seated while greeting the 82-year-old Olubadan in Ibadan territory, pointing out Ladoja’s past as a senator, governor, and public figure.