High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has agreed to receive and wear the beaded crown, fulfilling the new requirements to ascend the throne of Olubadan.
Ladoja made this declaration on Sunday morning during a live radio program on Fresh FM, “Agbami Oselu,” hosted by veteran broadcaster Abolade Salami.
“I will receive the crown if that is what will hinder me from becoming the Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Ladoja stated, indicating his willingness to comply with the traditional stipulations.
Ladoja also explained his previous refusal to accept the beaded crown given to elevated chiefs by the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
He insisted there was no discord with other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, emphasising that the elevated Obas are his friends.
“During Ajimobi’s regime, high chiefs approached me, expressing that they were not well respected at state events, and felt belittled by kings from smaller towns,” Ladoja recounted.
“I informed them that having served as a governor, a position with significant protocol standing, I did not need the beaded crown to be recognized at state events.”
Ladoja also absolved Governor Seyi Makinde from involvement in the Ibadan chieftaincy crisis, asserting that the governor was merely supporting the majority’s decision.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has no hand in the tussle; he only follows the majority demands. He chose to support the nine high chiefs against me, the lone dissenting voice,” he said.
Previously, High Chief Ladoja had pursued legal action against the Council members over the beaded crowns worn before the passing of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The withdrawal of this suit cleared the path for the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is widely seen as the epicentre of Yoruba’s politics, having served as the capital of the defunct Western Region, the precursor of the current South Western states of Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and a big chunk of Lagos State.
The Olubadan chieftaincy throne is one of the most prominent traditional leadership positions in Ibadanland, a city in southwestern Nigeria.
The Olubadan throne traditionally follows a system based on seniority and lineage.
Successors are typically selected from among the high chiefs, known as the Olubadan-in-Council, who have ascended through various chieftaincy titles over decades.
The council is made up of several high-ranking chiefs who play a crucial role in the selection of a new Olubadan.
These chiefs are usually senior members of the ruling houses and have significant influence in the succession process.
In recent years, the Olubadan chieftaincy sauccession model has faced significant challenges.
Disputes have arisen due to disagreements over the traditional succession process, claims of favouritism, and political interference.
