Ladoja Speaks on Ooni–Alaafin Rivalry, Highlights Ibadan’s Historical Role

By Ibironke Mulikat

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has dismissed the supremacy battle between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, insisting that their followers not the revered monarchs themselves are behind the simmering rivalry.

Ladoja, who spoke on Thursday while receiving the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, cautioned against divisive interpretations of history.

According to him:

“I have always made people realise that neither the Ooni of Ife nor the Alaafin of Oyo promotes disunity but their respective followers. These are the people who are trying to justify history having forgotten the fact that history most of the time can be subjective.

“Alaafin cannot go to Ile-Ife and rule over the people there, vis-à-vis Ooni of Ife. They have their different territories where they are operating.

“The kind of history their supporters are referring to is like that of the history of Britain colonizing America. That was in the past. Today, if America sneezes, the entire Britain will catch a cold.”

The Olubadan-designate also highlighted Ibadan’s historical role in shaping traditional authority in Yorubaland, stressing that without Ibadan’s influence, Yoruba monarchs today might have been addressed as “Emirs” instead of “Obas.”

“The position of Ibadan on this matter is well documented in history. Without the influence of Ibadan, the traditional title of the entire Obas in Yoruba land would have been ‘Emir’,” he declared.

Looking to the future, Oba Ladoja urged Yoruba monarchs to prioritise unity and modernization over old rivalries. He particularly sought the support of Oba Alao in promoting peace among traditional rulers.

“On the unity among the Obas in Yoruba land, I am soliciting the support of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Alao. His wealth of experience will assist in this regard,” he said.

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