Crisis Over New Rule To Block Ladoja Becoming Olubadan (Documents)

A new crisis is currently brewing in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, due to alleged plans to prevent the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, from ascending to the position of Olubadan. Ladoja, a former governor of the state, is the most senior high chief in Ibadan today.

Sources reveal that the Otun Olubadan line, which Ladoja hails from, is traditionally next in line to produce the Olubadan.

Tensions in Ibadan escalated following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun, over the succession of the Olubadan title.

This crisis, which lasted for about three months, was resolved when the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, was crowned on Friday, July 12, 2024.

According to Daily Post, another crisis is emerging over state government plans to prevent Ladoja from becoming the next Olubadan after Olakulehin.

These plans are reportedly outlined in the recently revised Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration, issued by the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde in 2023. Some details of this declaration were included in the event programs distributed during Olakulehin’s coronation, and the document was obtained on Sunday.

The original 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stated that “The person who may be nominated as a candidate by the Line whose duty it is to fill a vacancy in the office of Olubadan shall be the Senior Chief in that Line.” However, the revised section of the new law, known as the New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, now states that “the Senior (High) Chief in that Line” has been replaced by “the Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.” It further stipulates that, “The person who may be nominated as a candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of Olubadan shall be the Oba of the Crown Accounts of the longest standing in that line.”

GWG.ng learnt that Ladoja is the only prominent chief among Ibadanland’s recognized kingmakers who has refused to wear a beaded crown. This refusal could potentially bar him from becoming Olubadan under the new regulations, creating significant controversy among the prominent figures of the ancient city. The recent changes have become a hot topic of discussion among the indigenes of Ibadanland.

Some locals have voiced their concerns, claiming that the new chieftaincy law is a direct attempt to prevent Ladoja from ascending to the throne. One anonymous Ibadan indigene stated, “Have you seen the new law? This new development is an invitation to crisis. Ladoja is the target and you can see it. It is not fair. The former governor will probably resort to the courts to challenge the new law.”

Another local, who also wished to remain unnamed, expressed strong opposition to the new law, saying, “How can they say that Ladoja will not become Olubadan? Ladoja is the senior paramount chief. He is the last man standing. He rejected the beaded crown because it is an aberration. The people of Ibadan will reject the new law. Someone who has been on the ropes for over 30 years. It is another crisis that has not even started.”

With additional reports from: Daily Post

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG