Tradition on Trial: What Really Happened When the Olubadan Snubbed the Alaafin at Oyo’s 2026 Inter‑Faith Gathering

Explained: Protocol, Power Dynamics, Public Outrage & What It Means for Yoruba Royal Institutions

On Monday, January 12, 2026, a viral moment at the annual Oyo State Inter‑Faith Gathering in Ibadan captured national attention — and sparked an unprecedented public debate about tradition, hierarchy, and respect among Yoruba monarchs. In a widely shared video and multiple eyewitness accounts, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, reportedly ignored a handshake extended by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, during the opening moments of the event. 

The moment — which saw Oba Owoade’s outstretched hand go unreciprocated while Oba Ladoja greeted Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before taking his seat — instantly became the most discussed cultural flashpoint in southwest Nigeria. This blog post explores what happened, provides necessary cultural context, reviews reactions from across society, and explains why this matters not just for Ibadan and Oyo but for the future of Yoruba tradition as a whole.

The Event That Set the Internet Ablaze

The incident took place at the 2026 Inter‑Faith Gathering held at the Secretariat’s Grand Space behind the Oyo State House of Assembly, Agodi, Ibadan. The event brought together religious leaders, politicians, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders for a recurring annual service meant to foster unity and peace in the state.

However, despite the spiritual intent of the event, what drew headlines was a social interaction — or lack thereof — between two of the most prominent Yoruba traditional rulers: the Alaafin of Oyo and the Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

Eyewitnesses and circulating footage show the Alaafin extending his hand in greeting toward the Olubadan, only for Oba Ladoja to advance past him without acknowledging the gesture, proceeding instead to greet other officials and take his seat. 

Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with the video clip, which quickly generated polarising commentary — ranging from accusations of intentional disrespect to calls for deeper understanding of traditional protocols.

Understanding the Actors: Alaafin vs Olubadan

To fully grasp the significance of this moment, it’s important to understand who these monarchs are in the cultural and historical landscape of Yorubaland.

Alaafin of Oyo

The Alaafin is a paramount traditional ruler with deep historical roots in the old Oyo Empire — once one of the most powerful and expansive Yoruba kingdoms in West Africa. Although the political authority of the Alaafin’s throne has changed since the fall of the pre‑colonial empire, the title remains deeply symbolic of cultural legacy and royal heritage. 

Olubadan of Ibadanland

The Olubadan, meanwhile, is the traditional ruler of Ibadan, one of the largest cities in West Africa and a key centre of colonial and post‑colonial Yoruba history. More than just a ceremonial monarch, the Olubadan stool is steeped in its own traditions that reflect Ibadan’s unique rise — initially as a military settlement and later as a metropolis with historic autonomy and influence. 

Though neither monarch outranks the other in a strictly codified sense today, debates over hierarchical precedence and protocol have existed for decades, often resurfacing in council meetings, legislative attempts to restructure Obas’ leadership roles, and, now, in this public interaction. 

Protocol or Power Play? The Heart of the Debate

In the aftermath of the video’s circulation, observers and cultural commentators have offered competing interpretations:

1. A Deliberate Snub?

Some view the Olubadan’s action as intentional — a public snub with symbolic meaning. This interpretation suggests that the Olubadan may have purposefully avoided the handshake to signal disapproval of the Alaafin’s over‑assertiveness or what some perceive as attempts to expand influence beyond tradition.

2. A Protocol Misstep by the Alaafin

Others argue the Alaafin’s gesture itself may have violated traditional norms of Yoruba royal etiquette. In certain contexts, seated monarchs may not extend a handshake to other rulers without standing up first — a protocol that reflects mutual respect and custom‑based greetings. 

Ibadan traditional stakeholders weighed in strongly. Mogajis (lineage heads) and community leaders from Ibadan criticised the Alaafin’s gesture, describing it as potentially disrespectful to Oba Ladoja and the Ibadan traditional institution, especially considering the Olubadan’s age and stature. 

3. An Honest Oversight?

Still others maintain that the Olubadan simply did not see the hand offered in that moment — suggesting that human error or simple distraction, rather than deliberate disrespect, could explain the scene. 

This third narrative resonates with many social media viewers who noted that perspective and context are difficult to judge from a short video.

Social Media Reaction: More Than a Gesture

The incident didn’t just unfold in the halls of Agodi Secretariat — it exploded across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and WhatsApp groups. Some prevailing themes included:

Debates on Yoruba Cultural Protocol — Many users argued over who should stand for whom, what titles deserve seniority, and how historical legacy plays into contemporary etiquette.

Accusations of Power Struggles — Critics framed the incident as part of an ongoing contest for cultural influence among Yoruba monarchs, especially between Oyo, Ibadan, and Ile‑Ife.

Calls for Unity and Restraint — Others stressed that traditional rulers should model peace and harmony rather than be portrayed in an online spectacle.


One commentator even noted that the episode “reopened old wounds about supremacy within Oyo State’s traditional institution”, with many urging calm and strategic dialogue between the palaces. 

Government Reaction: Silence … For Now

As of this publication, neither the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Abiodun Makinde, nor the spokesmen of the Alaafin or Olubadan have issued comprehensive official statements addressing the snub. While Governor Makinde was present at the event, he has remained publicly silent on the unfolding controversy. 

Why This Matters — Beyond the Handshake

This incident is more than sensational video footage — it opens a vital conversation about:

1. Respect for Traditional Institutions

When revered monarchs are seen in moments of apparent discord, it can erode public perception of cultural dignity and unity.

2. Clash Between Custom and Modernity

In an era of smartphones and instant virality, centuries‑old protocols are suddenly public spectacles — often misunderstood or oversimplified.

3. The Role of Media in Shaping Perception

The spread of the video illustrates how powerful media narratives can influence public opinion, sometimes before contextual nuance is fully understood.

4. Calls for Cultural Literacy

Many cultural historians now emphasise the need for better education on Yoruba tradition so that modern audiences can interpret such exchanges more wisely.

Conclusion: A Moment That Could Shape Tradition

The Olubadan–Alaafin interaction at the 2026 Inter‑Faith Gathering will likely be referenced for years to come — not necessarily for what happened in that one moment, but for how it sparked discussions about respect, hierarchy, and cultural identity in contemporary Yoruba society.

Whether the incident is ultimately remembered as a protocol misunderstanding, a tactical statement, or something else entirely, it stands as a reminder that tradition continues to evolve, and that respect for heritage must be informed by deep understanding and dialogue.

As the conversation continues online and offline, one thing is clear: this ancient institution still holds immense relevance in modern Nigeria — and how its leaders relate to one another matters to us all.