Former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, is set to receive a ceremonial beaded crown this week, according to palace sources. The announcement was made by Ladoja during a live broadcast on Fresh FM 105.9 FM, Agbo Oselu, a socio-political program hosted by Abolade Salami.
Ladoja’s decision marks a reversal of his previous stance, in which he had insisted on wearing only the Olubadan crown. The controversy surrounding the beaded crown began during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who introduced the beaded crowns for high chiefs. This change faced opposition in court from the then Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and Ladoja.
When Governor Seyi Makinde took office, he required high chiefs to relinquish the crowns pending the confirmation of Oba Lekan Balogun as Olubadan. However, Makinde revisited the issue after Oba Balogun recommended reinstating the beaded crowns for high chiefs.
The Oyo State House of Assembly subsequently passed a bill amending the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which was signed into law by Makinde. The new law sparked controversy, leading Ladoja to challenge the amendment in court. After Oba Balogun’s departure, the government insisted on applying the new law to the selection and confirmation of the next Olubadan, resulting in delays in confirming Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
A palace source indicated that Ladoja was expected to receive the beaded crown on Monday, August 5, 2024. However, the ceremony has been postponed due to Oba Olakulehin’s pending relocation to the new Olubadan Palace, which he is expected to occupy this week.
Another source highlighted the pressure on Ladoja to accept the crown, noting that failure to do so could undermine his prospects for the Olubadan title. The source stated, “In the Olubadan succession line, Ladoja is next in line, but some sought to undermine him using the beaded crown. Thank God he had agreed to accept it.”
Ladoja, who held a thanksgiving service at St Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday, addressed the issue in a statement. He attributed his decision to the influence of both indigenes and non-indigenes of the land but clarified that accepting the beaded crown did not equate to becoming an Oba.
Ladoja recounted his earlier legal battle against the beaded crown reform initiated by the Ajimobi administration, which he won, although the case was appealed. Following Oba Adetunji’s death, Ladoja withdrew the case to facilitate the enthronement of Oba Lekan Balogun.
He expressed that the current government’s actions seemed to aim at hindering his succession, but after consultation with various religious and community leaders, he decided to accept the crown. Ladoja emphasized that his acceptance was influenced by the overwhelming support from Ibadanland’s residents.
In related news, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has expressed gratitude for his successful enthronement as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
