Oyo at 50: Alaafin absent at opening ceremony in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

Oyo State on Monday commenced activities marking its 50th anniversary, but the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was notably absent from the opening ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The event featured a welcome address by Governor Seyi Makinde and a goodwill message from the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, by the military government of the late General Murtala Mohammed, with Brigadier David Jemibewon appointed as the first military governor.

Present at the ceremony were the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State, while the seat reserved for the Alaafin remained vacant.

The absence of the Alaafin has reignited perceptions of tension between the two monarchs, following a widely discussed encounter at the 2026 interfaith gathering near the Oyo State House of Assembly weeks ago.

It would be recalled that viral video from that event showed the Olubadan approaching the Alaafin, who did not reciprocate a handshake, prompting criticism.