In the absence of providence, a situation similar to the drama in the Kano Emirate of Kano State may unfold in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, one of the key figures in this unfolding scenario, remains unfazed by the reported amendment to the gazetted Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Oyo State Government. Ladoja firmly believes that only God can determine his fate.
Although Ladoja was believed to be next in line for the Olubadan throne from the civilian wing, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, has been officially installed as the 43rd Olubadan as of Friday, July 12, 2024.
Ibadan has a unique and transparent traditional succession process to the Olubadan throne, alternating between military and civilian lines. The new Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, aged 89, ascended the throne from the military line, making Ladoja the most senior High Chief from the civilian line currently waiting in the wings.
LEADERSHIP Weekend has obtained a reviewed Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland, issued by the Oyo State Government and signed by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2023. This new document was part of the event program during Oba Olakulehin’s coronation.
Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stated that “the person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that line.” However, the new Gazette now states, “the person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most senior beaded crowned Oba in that line.”
This change, replacing “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line,” has caused unrest in Ibadan. Only Ladoja among the 28 Ibadan High Chiefs refused to be elevated to wear a beaded crown, a condition for becoming an Oba. His counterparts were installed and recognized as Obas in their respective domains under the Olubadan, as part of reforms to the Ibadan chieftaincy law carried out by the late 42nd Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II.
Consequently, unless the new clause is vacated, Ladoja’s hope of ascending the Olubadan throne may be elusive, creating ripples in the ancient city. There are also conspiracy theories suggesting that Governor Seyi Makinde is behind the amendment as retaliation for Ladoja’s lack of support during the 2023 elections.
The Oyo State government, through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has denied any plans to obstruct anyone’s ambition to become the next Olubadan. Oyelade stated that it is premature and unfair to discuss a successor so soon after Oba Olakulehin’s coronation.
Oyelade explained that the late Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, had set up the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to recommend reforms to the Ibadan chieftaincy. One recommendation was to elevate the eleven high chiefs in the Olubadan-In-Council to beaded crown-wearing Obas. This reform was incorporated into the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 and gazetted in July 2023.
The state government advised citizens to refrain from heating up the polity, pledging to uphold Ibadan’s traditions and culture. Many believe Ladoja will not remain passive about the new clause that obstructs his lifelong ambition.
A close source to Ladoja, preferring anonymity, stated that Ladoja believes it is the responsibility of Ibadan’s indigenes to defend their culture and traditions. The source quoted Ladoja as saying, “Baba doesn’t want to talk about it; the matter is already generating controversy, and he doesn’t want to add his voice.”
The source added that Ladoja is calm and believes that God ultimately determines the outcomes of such matters. Ladoja trusts that the people of Ibadan will rise to protect their customs.
Interestingly, Ladoja and Governor Makinde were close friends until recently, with Ladoja supporting Makinde’s 2019 election. However, their friendship soured during Makinde’s re-election campaign in 2023.
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