Royal Tussle: Olubadan Finally Breaks Silence on Claim He Snubbed Alaafin of Oyo
- The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has addressed claims he snubbed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, at a public event
- While addressing journalists, the traditional ruler said the misunderstanding surrounding the incident stemmed from social media misinterpretation
- Ladoja explained that his late arrival at the event, which happened in Ibadan, and seating protocol contributed to the perceived disrespect
Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Arusa 1, has reacted to the claim making round on social media that he intentionally snubbed his counterpart in Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, during an event in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, recently.
Speaking at a public event, the Olubadan insisted that the incident was neither intentional nor disrespectful, and dismissed the rumours around the encounter.
He insisted that the incident was misunderstood and blown out of proportion, adding that the actions were guided by circumstances rather than any form of royal discourtesy.
Source: Twitter
Ladoja clarifies alleged rift with Alaafin
According to The Leadership, the revered traditional ruler explained that there was no hidden intention whatsoever, saying, "What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media.”
The traditional ruler added that his movement at the event was based on timing and protocol because he arrived slightly late and was making the move to sit quietly without disrupting the programme.
He described the event as a situation of getting to the Mosque late when the prayer had already started. The latecomer will have to wait until the line is formed and join appropriately. He added that he was only trying to take his seat before he would be told that he could not move again.
Oba Ladoja further explained that his seat was positioned between the designated zones, which required that he would have to pass through some sections in the hall. When he returned, he discovered that other dignitaries had moved in, making him retrace his step.
Nigerians react to Alaafin, Olubadan's trending video
The video, which has been making waves on social media, has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians so far. Below are some of their reactions:
Mpelo wrote:
"Did anyone or fellow kings call Ọọni to order or advise him when he took over the reign in Ife? Bíbíre kò sé fowórà. It's in the genes and will naturally come up in one. I believe it's him who will check up, and the Oloyes in his kingdom would have to sit him down and advise."
Source: Twitter
Olu Lewis faulted the monarch:
"In just three months of his coronation, he gave the Arole Oduduwa a 48hr ultimatum! Ooni Oranmiyan or Alaafin Ajaka, his forefathers, dared not even try it. You do not disrespect the symbol of our progenitor and should not be disrespected urself. U people must tell him the truth before 90% of neutral Yorubas lose respect for that throne. Ife is untouchable!"
Mama Tee commented:
"Ur explanation isn't explaining to me. There is nothing bad for that king to rise up and greet Olubadan in a polite manner. The young must respect the aged, no matter ur position. He should do better. Too arrogant."
Kay alleged a gang-up against Alaafin:
"There’s a gang up against the new Alaafin, there’s no doubt about it. The unbelievable thing is the fact that kings like Olubadan will show this level of insubordination to prove any point and hide under his age and accomplishments. It’s appalling!"
You can read more comments on X here:
Alaafin to install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo
Legit.ng earlier reported plans to install President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi Tinubu, as the Okanlomo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
This came weeks after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, installed an influential businessman in Ibadan, Prince Dotun Sanusi, as the Okanlomo of Oodua.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
