It Was Never Intentional!’ – Oba Ladoja Finally Reacts To Viral Alaafin Greeting Snub

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the monarch said the situation had been exaggerated, especially across social media platforms. He maintained that the gesture was misunderstood and not intended as a snub.

According to Oba Ladoja, he arrived late at the function and was eager to quickly take his seat so as not to disrupt the programme already in progress.

“There was absolutely no intention behind it. What happened was not deliberate. Unfortunately, it has been wrongly interpreted, particularly on social media,” he said.

He likened the situation to arriving late at a place of worship, explaining that one naturally tries to settle quietly without drawing attention. “I was only trying to get to my seat quickly before anyone would say I couldn’t move again,” he added.

The Olubadan explained that his seat was positioned between the Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Alaafin of Oyo, which required him to pass through several people in the hall. By the time he attempted to retrace his steps, he noticed that some dignitaries had already changed positions.

“My seat was between the Soun and the Alaafin. I had to pass through certain areas to get there. I never made a conscious decision to ignore anyone. Why would I?” he asked.

He further noted that the viral clip did not capture the full sequence of events, accusing some social media users of being deliberately misleading.

“If you watch the complete video, you will see that I greeted several people, including the governor. Social media often takes things out of context,” he stated.

Oba Ladoja also revealed that both royal palaces have since communicated, dismissing reports of any misunderstanding or tension between them.

“I don’t believe anyone was offended, and I don’t see the incident as an insult to anyone,” he said.

He used the occasion to appeal for unity and harmony in Yorubaland, particularly among the younger generation.

“Our focus should be on unity, raising standards—especially in education—and working towards what truly drives progress in our society,” the monarch said.

The clarification follows the circulation of a video that showed the Olubadan seemingly bypassing a handshake from the Alaafin during the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space, near the Oyo State House of Assembly.