By Oluseye Ojo
Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Monday said misunderstanding caused the crisis that rocked wearing of beaded-crowns by members of the Olubadan-in-Council that has transformed to Ibadan Obas-in-Council.
He made the disclosure in his acceptance speech shortly after he waa crowned as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the new Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
Ladoja, who is the next-in-rank to the Olubadan, accepted the crown seven years after the supposed misunderstanding started in Ibadan. He had rejected the crown for the first time in August 2017 and again in July 2023 on the ground that he joined Olubadan chieftaincy system some decades ago in order to wear the crown of the paramount ruler of Ibadanland and not any other lesser crown.
He stated that people of Ibadan are one and have ways of settling their misunderstanding.
“They said we should do it the way it is supposed to be done. Ibadan is capable of doing its own thing.. We have ways of doing our things. Once we enter the inner chamber, you must realise that things will change. All the problems is as a result of misunderstanding,” Ladoja said.
It was the first official duty that the 43rd Olubadan since he was crowned last month.
The acting Governor of the state, Adebayo Lawal, on the occasion, presented the staff of office and certificate to Ladoja, on behalf of the state government.
Also in attendance were members of the Olubadan-in-Council, family heads, political office holders and well wishers.
Olubadan, the consenting authority, who crowned Oba Ladoja and had earlier presided over the first Olubadan – in Council meeting of his tenure, used the opportunity to congratulate the people of Ibadan Land on the renewed unity amongst Ibadan Kingmakers which will translate to peace, progress and development in the land.
“With the coronation of Oba Rasidi Ladoja as a beaded crown Oba, my reign is starting on a very harmonious note to the benefit of Ibadan Land as all kingmakers are all now on the same page,” Oba Olakulehin stated.
The acting governor, Adebayo Lawal, while speaking congratulated and commended the people of Ibadan for the development. He stressed that the state government is committed to strengthening the traditional institution in the state to a pace setting status worthy of emulation in the country.
ORJ