The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has postponed his return to Ibadan, Oyo State, till July 28, after the 21 days of mourning of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, The Punch learnt on Sunday.
Recall that Oba Olakulehin died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, after a brief illness at an undisclosed private hospital at Jericho in Ibadan, the state capital.
The 21-day mourning commenced on Tuesday, July 8.
The declaration of the mourning period is in accordance with an age-long tradition of Ibadan land.
An informed palace source told Punch that Ladoja decided to mourn the referred traditional ruler.
It was further gathered that he had, therefore, directed both the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade and Ekerin Balogun, Akeem Adewoyin, to ensure that the Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, which was temporarily shut, reopen to receive sympathisers on his behalf.
An inside source said, “Oba Ladoja will not come to Ibadan until 21 days of mourning are over.
“From July 7 till July 27 or July 28. He is opposed to rejoicing instead of mourning at this particular period.
“He believes that if he is around, he is encouraging people to besiege his house to start rejoicing instead of mourning the late Oba Olakulehin.
“Oba Ladoja believes in what the Bible says, you mourn with those who are mourning and celebrate with those who are celebrating.
“Even Ladoja was not happy as he shouted at some people who were rejoicing when the late 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, had not been buried.
“He is expected to be around between July 27 and July 28. He said if he is in town, it’s like he is encouraging people to do what he doesn’t like. He said we should give time for mourning before he begins to celebrate.”
When contacted, the media aide to Ladoja, Adeola Oloko, simply said, “I don’t know when Baba Ladoja will be around.”