High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has criticised the stance taken by certain Ibadan High Chiefs regarding the health of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, at his home in Ibadan following Eid-el-Fitri prayers, Ladoja dismissed the chiefs’ comments as personal opinions, noting that they lacked medical expertise.
Recently, Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, suggested that the Olubadan-designate needed time to recover before his coronation, citing concerns about his health.
Ladoja emphasised that decisions about the Olubadan stool would be discussed at a meeting scheduled for Friday. He also mentioned a court case he filed to protect his rights against threats from certain Ibadan High Chiefs who had taken crowns without his consent.
If he were to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ladoja stated that he would not punish any High Chief who had obtained a crown. He clarified that while High Chiefs were free to wear crowns to enhance their status, they should not do so in the Olubadan’s palace, as only the Olubadan is permitted to wear a crown there.