The Otun Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has been formally crowned as an Oba by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The Acting Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, presented the staff and instruments of office to the newly crowned Oba during a ceremony at the Oke-Aremo palace of the Olubadan on Monday, August 12.
The Acting Governor justified the amendment of the Oyo state Chieftaincy Law, stating that it was necessary for the royalty and monarchy in the state to be well-established. He also explained that Governor Makinde was absent due to his vacation.
“On behalf of the Governor of the state, I greet the people of Ibadan. We thank God that, today, all the controversies surrounding the issue of beaded crown have come to an end even without external interference.
“I want to use this avenue to also thank the CCII President-General, Aare Musulumi of Oyo, Edo and Delta and other dignitaries here present.
“Ibadan, as we all know, is a city of elites. If the city is peaceful, we bealieve the Yorubaland entirely is peaceful. Today is a day of joy for the people of Inadanland and Oyo State generally.
“In Oyo State, we believe that if we want to make progress, there must be little changes in how things should be done. So, part of it is what we are doing here today. We want the royalty, monarchy to be well-founded and well-established in Oyo State.
“We believe if this is established in Oyo State, it will be a reference point in the entire Yorubaland. So, for this reason, on behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, I have the opportunity to present the instrument of office to the HRM Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
“Conferment of Obaship on Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin I, the Olubadan of Ibadandland, which is being given by me under my seal and my signature.
“In exercise of powers conferred on me by Cap 28 Volume 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, and any other powers in that behalf, I confer on you the title of Royal Majesty, Oba Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
In his inaugural address, Oba Ladoja emphasized that the Olubadan remains the supreme traditional ruler in Ibadanland and pledged to uphold the customs and traditions of the land. He also expressed gratitude to the Olubadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the people of Ibadanland.
The Araba of Ibadanland and Olu of Isese, Chief Ifalere Odegbami Odegbola, crowned Oba Ladoja according to traditional rites.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Aare of Ibadanland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola Makanjuo, and the President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Niyi Ajewole.