Activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State commenced on Monday, but the opening ceremony drew attention for the notable absence of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The event took place at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde delivered the welcome address, while the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, presented a goodwill message.
The ceremony signalled the official start of a lineup of activities celebrating the state’s 50 years of existence.
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, under the military government of the late General Murtala Mohammed, with Brigadier David Jemibewon serving as its first military governor.
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Several traditional rulers from across the state were present at the anniversary opening, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
However, observers noted that the seat designated for the Alaafin of Oyo remained vacant throughout the ceremony, a development that reignited public discussion about the strained relationship between the two foremost monarchs.
The Alaafin’s absence comes against the backdrop of a recent public encounter between the two traditional rulers at the 2026 interfaith gathering held at the Grand Space near the Oyo State House of Assembly.
An interaction between them at the event attracted widespread attention after a video circulated on social media.
In the footage, the Alaafin, who had arrived earlier and was already seated, was seen extending his hand in greeting as the Olubadan approached his seat. The gesture was not reciprocated, prompting the Alaafin to withdraw his hand.
The incident quickly sparked debate across the state and beyond.
In response, a coalition of monarchs, mogajis, baales and prominent indigenes of Ibadan issued a statement condemning what they described as disrespect toward Ibadan’s traditional institutions.
The group maintained that Ibadanland is not subordinate to the Alaafin of Oyo and argued that offering a handshake while seated was contrary to accepted traditional protocol.
