Olubadan snubs Alaafin’s hanshake, igniting fresh royal controversy in Oyo

A public event in Oyo State has been overshadowed by a moment of stark diplomatic tension between two of Yoruba land’s most prominent monarchs. During an Inter-Faith Gathering on January 12, 2026, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdulrashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, visibly ignored an attempt by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to exchange a handshake.

Eyewitnesses report that the Alaafin extended his hand in greeting, only for the Olubadan to bypass him, proceeding instead to greet Governor Oluseyi Makinde and other dignitaries before taking his seat.

The snub drew immediate murmurs from the audience and has since provoked widespread outrage and debate across the state.

The incident has ignited fierce discussions over traditional hierarchy and protocol. One attendee criticized the Alaafin’s attempt, stating,

“The Alaafin was very rude for even attempting to shake the Olubadan. Beyond kingship, the Olubadan is not his mate in any aspect.”

This perspective underscores the deep-seated customs governing royal interactions, with many critics questioning the Alaafin’s judgment.

The public nature of the rebuke has reopened historical tensions and sparked concerns about a deepening rift within the state’s traditional institution, threatening its perceived unity and stability.

While social media explodes with arguments—some defending the Olubadan’s adherence to protocol, others condemning the humiliation—both Governor Makinde and the Olubadan have maintained silence, further fueling speculation.

Growing calls now urge reconciliation and private dialogue between the two thrones to safeguard the dignity and cohesion of Yoruba traditional leadership.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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