On Tuesday at the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event, meant to promote unity, briefly took a dramatic turn.
Attention shifted when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, appeared to be publicly snubbed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The gathering, held at the Secretariat’s Grand Space in Ibadan, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials and community stakeholders.
Its main focus was peaceful coexistence across Oyo State.
However, the mood briefly changed during a simple greeting.
As the Alaafin approached the Olubadan and extended his hand, the gesture was not returned.
The Olubadan was instead seen greeting Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before taking his seat.
The moment was witnessed by many attendees and quickly became the most talked-about incident at the venue.
Moreover, the Olubadan Alaafin snub sparked quiet murmurs among guests, despite the calm atmosphere of the programme.
However, others urged caution in drawing conclusions. They argued that traditional customs and long-standing royal protocols might have influenced the interaction.
According to them, not all greetings among traditional rulers follow modern expectations.
Furthermore, discussions later emerged around hierarchy, respect and conduct among royal institutions at public events.
Some attendees noted that such moments, though brief, could affect public perception of unity among traditional leaders.
Meanwhile, the programme continued without disruption. Religious leaders offered prayers and messages of peace. Community representatives spoke about tolerance and cooperation across faiths and cultures.
Governor Seyi Makinde also addressed the gathering, shifting focus back to governance and security.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and play active roles in protecting their communities.
“Security is everybody’s business. We must all be alert and take responsibility for what happens in our communities. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately so that we can act promptly,” the governor said.
In addition, he reminded public servants of their duty to serve with integrity.
“Our civil servants must continue to show commitment, transparency and dedication to service. The trust reposed in government depends largely on how public officers conduct themselves,” Makinde stated.
He further assured residents that his administration would not relent.
“This administration will continue to invest in the safety of our people, strengthen our institutions and ensure that public service works efficiently for the benefit of all.”
