Princess Adedoja Adeyemi, a daughter of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has publicly addressed the growing controversy surrounding a perceived snub of the current Alaafin by the Olubadan of Ibadan. Her intervention comes after a video from a major public event went viral, sparking widespread debate on royal protocol and respect.
Viral Incident Sparks Royal Protocol Debate
The controversy stems from an incident that occurred on Monday, January 12, 2026, during the Inter-Faith Gathering held at the Secretariat’s Grand Space in Ibadan, Oyo State. In footage that quickly circulated online, the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was seen extending a hand in greeting to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, who was seated at the time.
The Olubadan did not reciprocate the handshake, instead proceeding to greet other dignitaries present before taking his own seat. This brief interaction at the Agodi Government House event became a hot topic on social media and among commentators, with many dissecting the implications for traditional hierarchy and decorum.
Princess Adedoja's Firm Defense of the Alaafin Stool
Reacting to the narrative that followed, Princess Adedoja Adeyemi, a former Miss Oyo, took to her official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, January 13, to voice her concerns. She expressed clear displeasure with how the situation was being framed, particularly regarding Alaafin Owoade.
"I do not like the narrative being pushed about Alaafin Owoade," she wrote. "Rather, I think he is being underestimated. Young, straight from the diaspora, quiet, seemingly non-confrontational."
In a powerful statement, the princess drew a distinction between the individual monarch and the ancient institution he represents. She acknowledged that while Kabiesi (Alaafin Owoade) is "in infancy on the stool" due to his relatively recent ascension, "the throne he represents is not in infancy and should be respected."
A Call for Discreet Correction and Unity
Princess Adedoja emphasized that she did not believe the Alaafin intended any disrespect during the event. However, she outlined the proper channel for addressing any perceived breach of protocol among the royal class.
"If, however, something was amiss, it is the responsibility of fellow kings to call him to order in a manner that is discreet and non-embarrassing," she stated, reminding the public that Yoruba kings traditionally correct one another in private.
Her message culminated in a strong appeal for unity and wise leadership. "Mutual respect goes a long way. Diplomacy and unity are better than creating unnecessary rifts," she advised, adding, "May the wisdom of our ancestors never depart from you all."
Background and Reactions from Ibadan Stakeholders
This is not the first time the dynamics between the new Alaafin and Ibadan traditional institutions have been discussed. Prior to this event, Ibadan stakeholders, including monarchs, family heads (Mogajis), and community leaders (Baales), had reportedly issued a caution.
In a statement, figures like Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), had warned Alaafin Owoade against any action perceived as disrespectful to the Olubadan stool. They described any such act as "an embarrassment of the highest order."
The viral video and Princess Adedoja's response have thus brought to the fore ongoing discussions about evolving power dynamics, respect for traditional institutions, and the application of ancient protocols in modern public settings. The incident continues to generate significant public interest across Nigeria and among the Yoruba diaspora.
