Alaafin of Oyo snubs event as Makinde installs Olubadan as Council of Obas Chairman amid royal rift
Seyi Makinde
Abdullateef Fowewe
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs on Thursday, appointing His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as its chairman – in a ceremony conspicuously missing the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The event underscores simmering tensions between the two prominent Yoruba monarchs, following a viral moment reported by Dailyeconomy on Monday, January 12.
During a public gathering, Oba Ladoja appeared to rebuff a handshake from Oba Owoade, igniting whispers of a deepening rift.
Makinde, speaking at the inauguration, praised the council’s role in fostering unity and advising on traditional matters.
“This council will bridge gaps and promote harmony in our cultural heritage,” he said, though the Alaafin’s absence loomed large, with no official explanation provided from his palace.
However, it was gathered that the incident stems from longstanding rivalries over primacy and influence in Oyo State’s traditional hierarchy.
The Olubadan’s elevation to chairman positions him at the apex of the new council, which includes other prominent obas and chiefs tasked with mediating disputes and preserving customs.
