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VENO tv. BATTLE OF SUPREMACY: A Scenario Between the Alaafin of Oyo and the Olubadan
Date: 12-01-26

By ComradeOla

It is no longer news that a moment of perceived diplomatic coldness occurred between two foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja at a recent public event.

According to widely circulated accounts, the Alaafin had already taken his seat before the arrival of the Olubadan. Upon the Olubadan’s arrival, a handshake was reportedly extended by the Alaafin, but it was not acknowledged. This single moment, brief as it was, has since generated intense public discourse, speculation, and interpretation across social and traditional media.

It is important to state clearly that the exact reason behind the Olubadan’s action remains unknown to the public. Any attempt to ascribe motive without verified facts would be speculative. However, public commentary invites responsible reflection rather than emotional conclusions.

From a cultural standpoint, Yoruba traditional institutions place enormous value on respect, status recognition, and protocol. Greetings among monarchs are not merely social gestures; they are symbolic affirmations of history, authority, and mutual acknowledgment.

From my observational perspective, it is possible that the Olubadan may have expected the Alaafin to rise during the exchange of greetings, in keeping with certain interpretations of royal courtesy. Another possibility is the existence of unresolved misunderstandings predating the event. These, however, remain conjectures rather than established facts.

Both thrones involved are ancient, revered, and deeply symbolic. The Alaafin of Oyo historically represents the political and military nucleus of the old Oyo Empire, whose influence once extended far beyond present-day Oyo State. The Olubadan presides over Ibadanland, arguably the largest indigenous city in Africa, with a chieftaincy system that is unique, structured, and firmly institutionalized. In contemporary governance, neither throne is subordinate to the other, making mutual respect indispensable.

The saying “respect is reciprocal” finds strong relevance in this context. Respect is not sustained by title alone but by conduct, sensitivity, and mutual recognition. When respect appears one-sided, whether intentional or perceived, it often breeds misunderstanding and public controversy. Public appearances by traditional rulers are not private encounters; they are symbolic acts that reflect on entire peoples, histories, and institutions.

It is therefore important that the public resists the temptation to inflame this incident in ways that may deepen ethnic, historical, or political divisions. Yoruba culture thrives on dialogue, restraint, and wisdom rather than silent hostility or ego-driven posturing. Traditional rulers are custodians of peace, unity, and cultural continuity, and their actions carry weight far beyond the immediate moment.

Whether this incident arose from protocol expectations, personal grievance, or simple misunderstanding, it reinforces a timeless lesson: respect must be consciously given to be genuinely received. It is hoped that necessary clarifications and reconciliations will occur privately, in the interest of preserving the dignity of the thrones, the unity of the people, and the enduring values of Yoruba culture. History will remember not only the crowns worn, but the wisdom with which they were upheld.

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