Oyo State on Monday began activities to commemorate its 50th anniversary, but the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was notably absent from the opening ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The programme included a welcome address by Governor Seyi Makinde and a goodwill message delivered by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.
Oyo State was established on February 3, 1976, by the military administration of the late General Murtala Mohammed, with Brigadier David Jemibewon appointed as its first military governor.
Present at the event were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, alongside other traditional rulers from Oyo State, while the chair reserved for the Alaafin remained empty.
The Alaafin’s absence further fueled perceptions of a rift between the two monarchs.
This comes after a recent incident involving both rulers at the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly, where their interaction attracted widespread public attention.
Footage from the event, which later circulated widely on social media, showed the Olubadan walking toward his seat next to the Alaafin, who had arrived earlier and was already seated.
As Oba Ladoja approached, the Alaafin stretched out his hand for a handshake, which was not reciprocated, prompting him to withdraw his hand.
In the aftermath, a coalition of leaders made up of monarchs, mogajis, baales and notable Ibadan indigenes released a statement condemning what they described as a slight against Ibadan traditional institutions.
They maintained that Ibadanland is not subordinate to the Alaafin and argued that extending a handshake while seated was improper.
“Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand,” the statement said.
The group called on Governor Makinde to step in, warning that his continued silence could escalate the situation.
“If Governor Seyi Makinde does not caution him, and Ibadan people, including mogajis, baales and chiefs, are pushed to revolt against his insulting actions, the Oyo monarch will have only himself to blame,” they said.
They added that although Ibadan residents had previously shown restraint, they would no longer tolerate actions they believe undermine their culture and traditions.
