Drama in Oyo: Alaafin Skips Ladoja’s Inauguration, Court Battle Looms

A report has suggested that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, may challenge the appointment of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently inaugurated Ladoja as chairman of the council at a ceremony held at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan. However, the Alaafin was noticeably absent from the event.

During the inauguration, Governor Makinde announced that the chairmanship of the council would be rotational among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each traditional ruler serving a two-year term.

Sources who spoke to Punch claimed that Oba Owoade deliberately stayed away from the ceremony due to dissatisfaction with the arrangement and may seek legal redress. One insider said there is a strong possibility that the Alaafin could head to court, noting that the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had previously taken legal action to assert his position as the permanent chairman of the council without opposition.

Explaining the monarch’s absence, the source said attending the inauguration would have been humiliating for him and that staying away was a strategic decision. The source added that while court action is being considered, it could be avoided if there is timely intervention.

Another palace source corroborated the claim, stating that Oba Owoade is dealing with the consequences of decisions taken during the reign of his predecessor. According to the source, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi played a role in the impeachment of Ladoja during his time as governor, a development that reportedly strained relations between Ladoja and the Alaafin stool.

The source added that now that Ladoja has ascended the throne as Olubadan following the death of the former Alaafin, tensions have resurfaced, but noted that the current Alaafin is prepared to defend the dignity of the throne.