The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has announced his acceptance of the beaded crown and expressed his intention to become the Olubadan of Ibadan.
He conveyed his gratitude for God’s mercy and stated his readiness to embrace this new role, as outlined in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
Ladoja, the highest-ranking High Chief and next in line to the Olubadan throne, made this declaration on Sunday during an appearance on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio program on Fresh FM in Ibadan.
The former Governor of Oyo State affirmed his desire to become a beaded crown monarch, in line with his position under the updated chieftaincy rules.
He shared that numerous Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had encouraged him to accept the beaded crown to ensure a smooth transition to the throne when the time arrives.
Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable. Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan, regardless of the obstacles.”
He continued, “I’m prepared to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it is God’s will and the desire of the good people of Ibadanland.
Only God knows who will become Olubadan, but I trust that, by His special grace, I will take on that role. I will follow the will of the people of Ibadan. God is in control of everything
We have seen many who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. Similarly, many who were Otun Olubadan did not ascend to the Olubadan position. Omiyale and Kuye passed away ten days apart.
It’s a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. This is what the people want.”
This development is seen as a significant step towards easing tensions related to the recent publication of the gazette amending the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The Oyo State government, through the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The original Section 4 stated: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line.”
The revised Section 4, now titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaces “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
The new law specifies: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
