The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed insinuations that he intentionally snubbed the Alaafin of Oyo during a recent public function.
The incident, he maintained, was neither intentional nor disrespectful.
He described the incident as a misunderstanding that has been blown out of proportion, adding that his actions were guided by circumstance rather than any form of royal discourtesy.
“There was no intention whatsoever,” the Olubadan said firmly. “What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media.”
According to the Olubadan, his movement at the event was influenced by protocol and timing, as he arrived slightly late and attempted to take his seat quietly without disrupting proceedings.
He added:“When I go late to a place, I try to bring good news,” he explained. “At the mosque, when prayers are ongoing, you wait until they form a line and then you join appropriately. I was simply trying to take my seat before anyone would say I could not move again.”
He explained that his seat was located between designated zones, which required him to pass through some sections of the hall. By the time he returned, he discovered that other dignitaries had already moved, prompting him to retrace his steps.
“My seat was sandwiched between Sohun and Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I didn’t make any decision to avoid or ignore anyone. Why should I?” he asked.
He expressed concern over what the deliberate mischief by some commentators, noting that selective video clips circulating online do not reflect the full sequence of events.
“If you watch the full video, you will see me greeting people, including the governor,” he said. “But social media has a way of taking things out of context.”