High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, expressed his firm belief that he will become the Olubadan of Ibadan. This assertion was made during his appearance on the radio program ‘Agbami Oselu’ on Fresh FM in Ibadan.
Ladoja, who is the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line for the Olubadan title, shared his intention to accept the beaded crown, a ceremonial symbol in Ibadanland, aligning with the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. He acknowledged the pressures from various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes urging him to take this step to facilitate his eventual ascension to the throne.
Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja expressed gratitude for God’s mercy and his health, stating, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.”
He emphasized that destiny plays a crucial role in becoming Olubadan, saying, “Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way.”
Ladoja also highlighted his readiness to accept the beaded crown if it is the wish of God and the people of Ibadanland. He pointed out that becoming Olubadan is not guaranteed even for those who reach the ranks of Balogun or Otun Olubadan, as history has shown with the untimely deaths of Omiyale and Kuye.
The move to accept the beaded crown is seen by many as a critical step in reducing the tensions following the recent publication of the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. The Oyo State government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, passed this revised declaration through the state House of Assembly.
The original 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stated that the candidate for Olubadan should be “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line.” However, the amended Section 4 of the new law specifies that the candidate should be “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
This significant change in the law aligns with Ladoja’s readiness to accept the beaded crown, potentially smoothing his path to becoming the next Olubadan of Ibadan. His decision reflects the voice of the people of Ibadan, who, according to him, “The voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”
