Ibadan Mogajis, CCII, Monarchs Warn Alaafin Against Disrespecting Ladoja

In a strongly worded statement, Ibadan traditional authorities, including Mogajis, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Baales, the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), and other prominent sons and daughters of the city, have cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against any perceived acts of disrespect toward the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The coalition described any slight against Oba Ladoja as an affront not only to the Olubadan stool but also to the rich cultural heritage of Ibadanland. In a joint statement circulated to the media, the group emphasized that the peaceable nature of the people of Ibadan should never be misinterpreted as weakness, noting that centuries-old traditions governing the Olubadan succession system demand respect from all quarters, including other Yoruba monarchs. The warning follows recent incidents perceived as undermining the Olubadan’s dignity, which some observers say reflect a misunderstanding of palace protocols and traditional precedence among Yoruba rulers. The Ibadan leaders expressed concern that such actions could escalate tensions between monarchs in the Southwest if left unaddressed. The Olubadan stool is a symbol of the authority, history, and pride of Ibadan people. Any attempt to diminish it will be resisted by the citizens and stakeholders of our great city,” the statement read Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who recently ascended the Olubadan throne as the 44th monarch of Ibadan, is a former governor and senator, known for his longstanding commitment to the development of the city and the state. Despite the tensions, he has called for calm, urging all Yoruba traditional institutions to maintain peace, respect, and unity. The Mogajis and CCII also appealed to the Alaafin and other Yoruba leaders across the Southwest to engage in dialogue aimed at diffusing potential conflicts. They stressed that mutual respect among Yoruba monarchs is essential for preserving inter-monarchical harmony and for maintaining the stability of communities that have historically coexisted peacefully. Analysts say the intervention by Ibadan’s traditional leaders highlights the unique nature of the city’s chieftaincy system. Unlike many other Yoruba towns, the Olubadan succession is structured around a system of ascending ranks, ensuring a transparent and orderly rise to the throne, which has earned the respect of generations of Ibadan citizens and neighboring communities. The leaders also called on elder statesmen, governors, and regional stakeholders to act as mediators, warning that failure to address the situation could create unnecessary friction in Southwest Nigeria’s traditional leadership circles. Observers believe that the involvement of Ibadan’s Mogajis and other traditional institutions is aimed at maintaining the delicate balance of power and protocol in the region, reinforcing that respect for the Olubadan stool is non-negotiable. With tensions simmering, many hope that diplomatic engagements between the Alaafin of Oyo and Ibadan’s traditional authorities will prevent escalation, preserve Yoruba unity, and uphold the time-honored customs that have guided inter-monarchical relations for centuries.