Former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, will be presented with a ceremonial beaded crown this week.
According to The PUNCH, palace sources disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Ladoja confirmed his acceptance of the beaded crown during a live appearance on Fresh FM 105.9 FM’s socio-political program, Agbo Oselu, hosted by Abolade Salami.
This acceptance represents a notable change from Ladoja’s previous stance, as he had earlier vowed to only wear the Olubadan crown.
The controversy surrounding the beaded crowns began with the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s introduction of the crowns for high chiefs, which was opposed in court by the then Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and Ladoja.
Following Governor Seyi Makinde’s assumption of office, the high chiefs were required to remove their crowns before the confirmation of Oba Lekan Balogun as the Olubadan of Ibadan, as per Ladoja’s recommendation.
However, Makinde revisited the issue of the beaded crowns after Oba Balogun recommended their reinstatement.
This led to the state House of Assembly deliberating on and passing a bill to amend the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which was subsequently assented to by Makinde.
The amendment sparked controversy, prompting Ladoja to challenge the change in court.
After Oba Balogun’s departure, the government insisted on implementing the new law for the selection and approval of the next Olubadan, which delayed Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s confirmation.
On the day of the coronation, a gazette affirmed that the most senior beaded crown in succession would be considered for the next Olubadan.
This development led prominent Ibadan indigenes to urge Ladoja to accept the beaded crown to advance his aspirations.
A credible palace source told our correspondent that “the ceremonial beaded crown ought to have taken place today (Monday), August 5, 2024, but His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin, has not moved to the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace. He will pack his belongings to the palace this week. He is a lucky monarch, being the first Olubadan to occupy that palace.”
Another palace source said, “If High Chief Ladoja fails to accept the crown, it may consume him, God forbid. In the Olubadan succession line, Ladoja is next in line, but some sought to undermine him using the beaded crown. Thank God he had agreed to accept it.”
The monarch, who held his thanksgiving service at St. Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday, is set to relocate to the palace later this week.
According to a knowledgeable palace source, Governor Makinde was not involved in the decision to bestow the beaded crown upon Ladoja, as this responsibility falls solely to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a statement made to journalists at his private residence on Ondo Street in Ibadan, Ladoja explained that his choice to accept the crown was influenced by significant support from both locals and outsiders.
However, he emphasized that accepting the crown does not equate to becoming an Oba.
He further noted that the previous administration under the late Governor Ajimobi initiated the chieftaincy reforms, which included the introduction of beaded crowns for certain high chiefs.
“I dragged the government of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi to court over this matter and I won the case which was later appealed by the defendants.
“The case was still pending in the court when the late Oba Saliu Adetunji joined his ancestors. I was appeased to withdraw the case in order not to hinder the enthronement of the late Oba Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, which I did
“However, after the installation of Oba Balogun, the issue of the beaded crown came up again with Governor Makinde’s approval for the presentation of the beaded crowns to the previous beneficiaries. Since I was not part of the initial arrangement, I have no issue with their acceptance.
“The affected members of the Olubadan in Council are not happy with my decision not to accept the crown, hence the threat not to nominate me when it is my turn to be crowned as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I was forced to go back to the court to seek a redress on the matter, but the case was later withdrawn after much persuasion by well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
Ladoja added, “Another ‘kata-kata’ started during the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland when a section of the gazette chieftaincy reforms was inserted in the programme of the event. I did not have a copy of the programme but was told about the insertion of a particular page of the gazette.
“Though people believe that it is because of Ladoja, my interpretation is different. I said the government of Makinde wanted me to become the Olubadan. It is only telling the whole public that this is the hindrance that may prevent this man from ascending the throne.
“The noise now began that they wanted to prevent Ladoja from becoming the Olubadan that is why they did it. The government said it has been there since 2023 but it is now that they want to make it public so that people who love Ladoja will know that this is the thing that may prevent him from ascending the throne of his forebears.
“As predicted, a lot of people objected. Ladoja must not accept it. Ladoja must become Olubadan. Since over 98 per cent of the people of Ibadanland want Ladoja to become the Olubadan, I have no option but to have a re-think and start consultation.
“I consulted leaders of the various religious organizations, including Prelate Ola Makinde, the Oluwo and Araba of Ibadanland. All of them gave their consent.”
In another update, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has expressed gratitude to God for his successful enthronement as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
