Ladoja Shuns Obaship, Says My Eyes Only On Olubadan Crown 

• Rejects Gov Makinde’s planned elevation

With echoes of the 2023 gubernatorial election and issues around the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration still reverberating in the public space, former Governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, says his eyes are only on the revered traditional title of Olubadan and not any beaded-crown wearing Oba title in Ibadanland.

As a clear demonstration of lacking interest in the Oyo State government proposed Obaship status, Chief Ladoja, who is also the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, said; “You don’t fix what is not broken.”

Chief Ladoja, who was reacting to the reported elevation of some High Chiefs to the status of beaded crown Obas, said aside from the Olubadan, no other title is of interest to him in Ibadanland

Shortly after observing Eid at the University of Ibadan Muslims praying ground, the former Governor told journalists at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, that; “I’m not interested in any other crown apart from that of Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

According to the engineer cum politician; “When I set out to join the race to become the Olubadan, I was focusing on how to become the Olubadan and the only crown I want to wear is that of Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Recently, Governor Seyi Makinde, while signing into law the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill empowering him to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs in the state, approved the promotion of the 11 High Chiefs who will be officially installed as traditional rulers on Friday, July 7, 2023.

A letter addressed to the governor by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, indicated that the 11 High Chiefs pencilled down for elevation include Balogun of Ibadanland – Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun – Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan – Eddy Oyewole; and Osi Balogun – Lateef Adebimpe.

Others are; Ashipa Olubadan – Biodun Kola-Daisi; and Ashipa Balogun – Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan – Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun – Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan – Bayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun – Abiodun Azeez.

Founded in the 16th century, the Olubadan is the royal title of the king of Ibadanland in Oyo State. Though largely symbolic now, the Royal Father remains an influential figure who is not hesitant to engage local political leaders on issues of good governance, violence, corruption and lack of true democracy in the South West geo-political zone.