By Habeeb Ibrahim
An eyewitness has shed light on the controversial incident that occurred during the 2025 Ojude Oba celebration in Ijebu-Ode, involving a lady and an elderly man later identified as Professor Lasun Gbadamosi.
The incident, which was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media, sparked intense debate across various platforms, with many Nigerians quick to criticize both individuals. While some accused the professor of discrimination and highhandedness, others condemned the lady for perceived disrespect and inappropriate dressing.
However, according to Balogun Olamilekan Adelaja, a blogger and eyewitness who was present at the scene, the incident was grossly misrepresented online.
Adelaja clarified that the lady was not stopped by Professor Lasun because of her attire, as widely speculated. “There is nothing wrong with the lady’s dressing. That style is an Oleku-inspired design. Many other brand representatives wore similar outfits, even the Glo ladies had the same style,” he wrote in a detailed statement.
He explained that the altercation occurred on the staircase leading to the VIP section, where top dignitaries, including the Ogun State Governor, ministers, kings, and high chiefs, were seated to welcome Regberegbes and other guests.
According to him, the staircase was heavily guarded by at least six armed policemen who performed the first level of clearance, followed by Professor Lasun Gbadamosi, who checked for official invitations and gave the final approval for entry.
“I was actually stopped by Professor Lasun myself while I was searching for my invitation card. Baba Osoba was even shouting, ‘Ẹ jẹ́ kí wọ́n kọjá, wọ́n fẹ́ wá rí Governor ni!’ (Let them come in, they are here to see the Governor!), but Prof Lasun stood his ground until I found my invite in my pocket,” Adelaja recounted.
The blogger stated that the lady in question had a valid VIP invitation card but insisted on bringing a photographer into the restricted area. Professor Lasun denied entry for the photographer, which led to a verbal confrontation.
“The lady was wrong in the way she spoke to Professor Lasun. It had nothing to do with her dressing. But now, Nigerians have turned it into a moral war on decency, ignoring the real issue,” he added.
He also criticized bloggers and social media users for fanning the flames and taking sides without proper knowledge of the events. “Bloggers are using the story to trend. People now move from post to post, picking fights and forming unnecessary sentiments.”
He urged Nigerians to seek facts before drawing conclusions and reminded ambitious individuals to stay focused and avoid distractions. “If you’re ambitious in life, learn to ignore gossip and rumour-mongering, they are causes of distraction. Heads up and eyes on the prize,” he concluded.
