Power Struggle Emerges As Alaafin Skips Ladoja’s Inauguration May Approach Court

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Tensions are brewing in Oyo State as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, reportedly considers challenging the appointment of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The development follows the inauguration of Ladoja as council chairman by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital. However, Oba Owoade notably stayed away from the ceremony.

Governor Makinde, during the event, highlighted that the chairmanship of the council is rotational among the Olubadan, Alaafin, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two-year tenure.

Sources familiar with palace affairs told Punch that the Alaafin deliberately avoided the inauguration, describing it as a move to prevent “shame,” and hinted that he may seek legal recourse to contest the appointment.

“There is a possibility that the Alaafin will go to court. The late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, also resorted to legal action. He was the permanent chairman of the Oyo State traditional council and stated this clearly in all his correspondences. Nobody challenged him,” one insider explained.

The source further elaborated on Oba Owoade’s absence: “Attending the inauguration would have been shameful. It was better for him to stay away. Court action is likely, although an intervention could still change this course.”

Another palace insider confirmed that the current Alaafin is navigating tensions inherited from his predecessor’s reign.

“During Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s era, he was involved in Olubadan Ladoja’s impeachment. Ladoja harboured resentment towards the Alaafin stool but had no means to act then. Now, with him as Olubadan and the former Alaafin gone, he is asserting himself against the new Alaafin—but he underestimated the current monarch,” the insider added.

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