High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has declared that, in appreciation for God’s kindness, he will take on the role of Olubadan of Ibadan.
The most senior member of the High Chiefs and the next in line to become Olubadan, Ladoja, made this announcement on Sunday while participating in the radio show “Agbami Oselu” on Fresh FM in Ibadan.
In the updated Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, the former governor of Oyo State also stated his goal to ascend to the position of beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland.
He clarified that in order to expedite his accession to the throne when the time came, a number of Ibadan natives and non-natives had put pressure on him to accept the beaded crown.
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. No matter the obstacles placed in their way, if God has decreed that someone will become Olubadan, they will become Olubadan.
“I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.
“It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”
Many believe that this action is essential to reducing tensions that have arisen since the new amendment was published in the gazette.
Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration was amended by the Oyo State government and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which was approved by the state House of Assembly.
The original version 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.”
However, Section 4 of the amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
Section 4 of the new law states: “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.”
