In a historic ceremony that marked a significant milestone for Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin I, the newly enthroned Olubadan of Ibadanland, performed his first official duty on Monday.
The event saw the crowning of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as one of the prestigious beaded crown Obas in the ancient city.
The coronation ceremony, which took place at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area, was a grand affair attended by notable dignitaries.
Among the dignitaries was the acting Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, who, on behalf of the State Government, presented the staff of office and certificate to the newly crowned monarch.
The ceremony also saw the presence of members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis (family heads), political office holders, and a host of well-wishers.
Oba Olakulehin, who had earlier presided over the first Olubadan-in-Council meeting of his tenure, emphasized the significance of the event. He expressed his joy in seeing the renewed unity among Ibadan’s traditional rulers, which he believes will pave the way for peace, progress, and development in the land.
“With the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as a beaded crown Oba, my reign is starting on a very harmonious note to the benefit of Ibadanland, as all kingmakers are now on the same page,” the Olubadan stated.
The Acting Governor, Adebayo Lawal, also lauded the development, expressing his satisfaction with the unity and the commitment of the State Government to elevating the traditional institutions within Oyo State to a pace-setting standard that the rest of the country can emulate. He congratulated the people of Ibadan, urging them to continue to support the traditional institutions.
In his response, the newly crowned monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, underscored the unique approach Ibadan people have in resolving their internal issues.
“They said we should do it the way it is supposed to be done. Ibadan is capable of doing its own thing. We have ways of doing our things.
“Once we enter the inner chamber, you must realize that things will change. All the problems are as a result of misunderstanding,” Oba Ladoja explained, emphasizing the resilience and unity of Ibadan’s people.
Oba Ladoja’s journey to the beaded crown has been marked by significant challenges. He was the sole High Chief among the eleven High Chiefs of Ibadanland who initially resisted accepting the beaded crown, a mandate imposed by the administrations of the late Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi and Governor Seyi Makinde.
However, after persistent appeals from respected elders and notable personalities across the country, Oba Ladoja finally embraced the beaded crown, putting an end to speculations that he might be barred from ascending to the Olubadan throne due to an amended government gazette that prohibited non-beaded crown High Chiefs from becoming Olubadan.
The successful coronation of Oba Ladoja not only cements his place in Ibadanland’s rich history but also marks the beginning of a new chapter of unity and cooperation among the city’s traditional rulers, heralding a future of peace and prosperity for the ancient city.
