No disrespect intended — Olubadan breaks slience on viral Alaafin video

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, hasaddressed the viral video showing an alleged “handshake snub” involving theAlaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, maintaining that the incident was neitherintentional nor disrespectful. Reacting to the widespread reactions on social media, themonarch rejected claims that he deliberately ignored the Alaafin at a recentpublic event in Ibadan, describing the controversy as a misunderstandingamplified online. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Oba Ladoja clarifiedthat his actions at the event were guided strictly by protocol and timing, notpersonal issues or ill feelings. “There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was notdeliberate. Social media has simply twisted the situation,” the Olubadan said. He explained that he arrived at the venue slightly late andwas careful to take his seat quietly without interrupting the programme. “When you arrive late at a mosque, you don’t walk aroundgreeting people while prayers are ongoing. You wait and join properly. That wasexactly what I was trying to do,” he explained. According to him, movement was also constrained by theseating arrangement, as his seat was placed between the Soun of Ogbomosolandand the Alaafin of Oyo. “My seat was sandwiched between the Soun and the Alaafin. Ihad to pass through people. I didn’t decide to avoid or ignore anyone. Whywould I?” He asked. The Olubadan further noted that a longer version of thevideo clearly shows him exchanging greetings with other prominent figures atthe event, including the state governor. “If you watch the complete video, you’ll see me greetingpeople. But social media only picked what suited a certain narrative,” he said. On whether he made any private efforts to resolve thematter, the monarch said he did not view the incident as offensive in any way. “I don’t think anyone was offended, and I don’t see it as aninsult to anybody,” he stated. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of harmony amongtraditional rulers, stressing that unity and development should remain thepriority. “My focus is unity for this generation and the next. We mustraise standards, especially in education, and concentrate on what truly drivesprogress,” he said.

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