‎Ibadan Traditional Leaders Issue Stern Warning To Alaafin Of Oyo Over Alleged Disrespect To Olubadan Stool

‎Prominent traditional stakeholders in Ibadanland, comprising monarchs, Mogajis, Baales and notable sons and daughters of the ancient city, have issued a strong caution to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, over what they described as a repeated display of disrespect towards the revered stool of the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution.

‎The warning followed an incident said to have occurred on Tuesday at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan, where Oba Owoade was reported to have remained seated while stretching out his hand to greet the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, during an official function. Ibadan traditional stakeholders described the action as culturally inappropriate and a direct affront to the dignity of the Olubadan and the entire Ibadan traditional system.

‎Although the Olubadan reportedly ignored the gesture in the spirit of peace and maturity, Ibadan leaders insisted that the development should be regarded as a serious warning, stressing that any further act capable of ridiculing the Ibadan traditional institution would attract decisive and united reactions from Ibadan monarchs, chiefs, Mogajis and Baales.

‎In a jointly signed statement 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 described the Alaafin’s conduct as an embarrassment of the highest order.

‎They declared that Ibadan traditional leaders are fully prepared to defend the integrity of their traditional institutions against any form of provocation capable of bringing them into disrepute.

‎The statement further emphasised that Oba Adewolu Ladoja surpasses the Alaafin in age, experience, achievements, political exposure, business success and leadership pedigree, in addition to being the custodian of Ibadan traditional affairs.

‎Part of the statement read:

‎“The continuous disrespect towards the stool of the Olubadan and the Ibadan traditional institution by the Alaafin has become intolerable. If Governor Seyi Makinde fails to caution him and Ibadan people are pushed into reacting, the Alaafin will regret his actions.

‎“We have records of repeated uncultured behaviours towards Ibadan traditional stools. This must stop. Ibadanland will not tolerate further provocation.

‎“Ibadan people are not cowards. We are fearless, but we have exercised restraint in the interest of peace.

‎“Our culture and tradition are sacred. Anything capable of ridiculing them will be firmly resisted.

‎“The Alaafin cannot come into our territory, remain seated, and stretch out his hand to greet our highly revered 82-year-old Olubadan.

‎“Oba Ladoja is a former Senator, former Governor, an international figure and a successful businessman.

‎“While the Alaafin may choose not to greet the Olubadan, stretching his hand while seated is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution.

‎“Ibadanland has never been subordinate to the Alaafin.”