Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja snubbed a handshake from the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Akeem Owoade on Monday at an interfaith gathering organised by the Oyo State Government.
The gathering took place at the Secretariat Grand Space, behind the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan, and was attended by traditional rulers, government officials and other dignitaries.
During the programme, the Alaafin, who was seated, extended his hand to greet the Olubadan.
Oba Ladoja did not respond to the gesture and instead greeted the Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Afolabi Olaoye, before exchanging pleasantries with Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries and then taking his seat.
The moment was witnessed by several attendees and later circulated on social media, where it generated discussions among residents and observers of Yoruba traditional institutions.
An Ibadan indigene who witnessed the incident said established customs and hierarchy among traditional rulers should guide public interactions at official events.
“There are traditions and protocols guiding interactions between monarchs, and these should be observed,” the source said.
The incident has since prompted public conversations on traditional hierarchy, customs and relationships among monarchs in Oyo State.
While some commentators questioned the appropriateness of the gesture, others focused on the conduct of the interaction at a public event.
Reactions have continued across social media platforms, with culture enthusiasts, historians and residents expressing different views on the matter.
Some have called for dialogue between the traditional rulers, urging steps that would preserve harmony within the traditional institution.
