Royal Supremacy Dispute Between Alaafin And Olubadan Escalates in Oyo State

The perceived supremacy rift between two foremost traditional rulers in Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has resurfaced following a tense public incident at a government event.

The latest development occurred on Monday during the 2026 Inter-Faith Service organised for civil servants at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.

Tension reportedly filled the venue when the Alaafin, seated among other monarchs, extended his hand in what appeared to be a gesture of courtesy to greet the Olubadan.

Eyewitnesses said the Olubadan, who had arrived shortly after Governor Seyi Makinde, ignored the outstretched hand, proceeded to exchange pleasantries with the governor and other dignitaries, and then took his seat, leaving the Alaafin visibly unsettled.

The incident triggered murmurs among attendees and has since sparked widespread public debate within and outside the state.

Observers said the atmosphere around the seating area of the monarchs remained tense throughout the event. Opinions have since been divided over the incident.

While some argue that it was improper for the Alaafin to attempt to greet the Olubadan while seated, citing age and traditional etiquette, others insist that the Alaafin stool is historically superior and must be accorded due respect regardless of the incumbent’s age.

Sources familiar with palace affairs claimed the disagreement is rooted in an unresolved supremacy tussle between the two royal stools.

The public display of tension is not the first involving both monarchs. A similar situation reportedly played out on December 15, 2025, during the unveiling of the Oyo@50 logo at the same venue.

On that occasion, the Alaafin was represented by one of his chiefs. Trouble began when the Olubadan objected to being seated beside the Alaafin’s representative, whose chair was placed ahead of his despite the Alaafin’s absence.

The disagreement reportedly caused anxiety among top government officials and politicians present, who intervened to pacify the Olubadan. Eventually, his seat was relocated to a position ahead of the Alaafin’s, resolving the immediate tension.

The recurring incidents have raised questions about earlier efforts by the state government to foster harmony between the monarchs. On December 22, 2025, Governor Makinde held a brief closed-door meeting with both the Alaafin and the Olubadan shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan.

The unscheduled meeting, which lasted about 15 minutes, was believed by observers to be aimed at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence between the two first-class monarchs, though details were not made public.

Despite that intervention, the latest episode has reignited public discourse around hierarchy, tradition and mutual respect among Yoruba traditional rulers.

Cultural enthusiasts, historians and residents have taken to social media to express divergent views, with some faulting the Alaafin’s action and others condemning the public nature of the Olubadan’s response.

However, calls have continued from various quarters for calm, dialogue and reconciliation to preserve the dignity, unity and stability of the revered traditional institution in Oyo State.