The Olubadan of Ibadan-land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has clarified that the reports making the rounds on social media about him and the Alaafin, His Imperial Majesty ,Oba Akeem Owaade was a clear case of misrepresentation.
Oba Ladoja explained that 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.
“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.”
The monarch 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 Soun 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.
Oba Ladoja expressed concern over what he described as 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.”