Where is Iku Baba Yeye? Alaafin’s Absence Raises Eyebrows at Oyo Golden Jubilee Ceremony Opening
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, was conspicuously absent on Monday as the Oyo State Government formally kicked off activities to mark the state’s 50th anniversary with a colourful ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The event, which marked the official commencement of the golden jubilee celebrations, featured a welcome address by Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside goodwill messages from key government officials, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Several dignitaries, traditional rulers, and top government functionaries also graced the occasion.
However, the reserved seat for the Alaafin remained vacant throughout the ceremony, drawing public attention and fuelling speculations over the monarch’s continued absence from major state functions.
In contrast, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other prominent traditional rulers were present at the event.
Observers noted that the absence further reinforced perceptions of a lingering rift between the Alaafin and the Olubadan, particularly following recent public encounters that had drawn widespread reactions, and the Inauguration of the Olubadan as the chairman of Oyo State Obas and Chiefs council, automatically removing Alaafin as the permanent chairman.
A similar situation reportedly occurred during a recent interfaith gathering in Ibadan, where interactions between the two monarchs became a subject of public discourse.
Oyo State, created on February 3, 1976, by the military administration of the late General Murtala Mohammed, marked its 50th anniversary with a series of planned activities aimed at celebrating its history, culture, and developmental milestones, while projecting a vision for greater unity and progress in the years ahead.
Where is Iku Baba Yeye? Alaafin’s Absence Raises Eyebrows at Oyo Golden Jubilee Ceremony Opening
Byadmin
Jan 26, 2026