Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, says the Alaafin handshake incident was unintentional, blaming protocol and seating, not disrespect
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has addressed the viral “handshake snub” involving the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, insisting the incident was neither deliberate nor disrespectful.
Also read: NNPP Affirms Yusuf’s Right to Choose Party
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Oba Ladoja described online claims suggesting intentional disregard as a needless misinterpretation amplified on social media.
“There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate. Social media has simply twisted the situation,” the Olubadan said.
He explained that his actions were guided by protocol and timing rather than personal animosity.
Arriving slightly late, he aimed to take his seat quietly without disrupting the event.
“When you arrive late at a mosque, you don’t walk around greeting people while prayers are ongoing. You wait and join properly. That was exactly what I was trying to do,” Oba Ladoja noted.
The monarch added that his seat was positioned between the Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Alaafin of Oyo, making movement difficult.
“My seat was sandwiched between the Soun and the Alaafin. I had to pass through people. I didn’t decide to avoid or ignore anyone. Why would I?” he asked.
Oba Ladoja also referred to the full video of the event, stating it shows him greeting other dignitaries, including the state governor, and argued that selective social media clips created a misleading narrative.
“If you watch the complete video, you’ll see me greeting people. But social media only picked what suited a certain narrative,” he said.
On whether he had reached out privately to smooth over relations, the Olubadan said he did not see the incident as insulting to anyone.
“I don’t think anyone was offended, and I don’t see it as an insult to anybody,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to unity and development, Oba Ladoja stressed the importance of cooperation among traditional institutions and focusing on progress through education and collective effort.
Also read: NNPP Affirms Yusuf’s Right to Choose Party
“My focus is unity — for this generation and the next. We must raise standards, especially in education, and concentrate on what truly drives progress,” he said.
