By Oluseye Ojo
Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has announced his readiness to accept the beaded-crown as proposed by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and gazetted by Governor Seyi Makinde
His acceptance of the crown came seven years after rejecting it on the strong conviction that the only crown he aimed to wear is that of the Olubadan, when it comes to his turn.
Two lines – Civil (Otun) and Military (Balogun), have been producing Olubadan on rotational basis. The immediate past Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, was produced by the Otun Line, while the incumbent Olubadan, Owolabi Olakulehin, was produced by the Balogun Line. It is the Otun Line that will produce the next Olubadan, and Ladoja is the most senior traditional ruler on the line.
The issue started in 2017 when the administration of former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, crowned members of the Olubadan-in-Council. But Ladoja rejected the crown. He also went to court and won on the grounds that such reform should be initiated by the Olubadan and his advisory council, not the government. The then crowned Kings eventually lost their crowns in 2022.
The former Olubadan, Balogun, initiated crowing of members of his advisory council again between 2022 and 2023, which eventually led to the installation of members of Olubadan-in-Council as beaded-crown wearing monarchs. But Ladoja also rejected the crown and went to court. But he was prevailed upon to withdraw the case to pave way for the 43rd Olubadan, Olakulehin, to be crowned. He withdrew the case.
At the installation of Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan a few weeks ago, a gazette from the Oyo State government was distributed during the coronation, which probably boxed Ladoja to the corner to accept the crown. It was evident in the gazette that Olubadan-in-Council has transformed to Obas-in-Council, and only a beaded-crown-wearing king can ascend the throne of Olubadan. Also, the other members of the council, who are also Ibadan kingmakers, may not statutorily nominate Ladoja when his time comes.
However, under pressure from his co-members of the council, Ladoja finally agreed to take the crown ito become the Olubadan of Ibadanland at the right time.
Ladoja made the announcement during a live Yoruba language radio programme -Agbami Oselu, on Fresh FM, Ibadan, yesterday.
“Since the crown is merely ceremonial and it cannot affect my becoming the Olubadan, I have accepted to take the crown based on popular demand of Ibadan sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora,” Ladoja said.
He acknowledged that the majority of Ibadan people wanted him to become the Olubadan, and taking the crown was the only obstacle.
The former governor emphasised there is only one king in Ibadan, which is the Olubadan, and no other person could call himself king apart from the Olubadan.
“The Olubadan will grant it (the crown), and the government has no role in it,” he said.
Ladoja also expressed his unwavering determination to become the Olubadan of Ibadan land. He declared, “nothing can stop me from becoming the Olubadan of Ibadan land by God’s grace.”