Olubadan: Ibadan Elders Convene with Ladoja to Avert Impending Crisis

Distinguished leaders from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, convened with former Governor Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja to address the ongoing conflict between him and certain High Chiefs elevated to the rank of Obas within the historic city.

Reports indicate that Ladoja, holding the title of Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is embroiled in a disagreement with other High Chiefs, now elevated to the status of Obas, regarding the Olubadan throne. Following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun, at the age of 81, the position of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant.

It is understood that, as per the traditional protocol, the next Olubadan is expected to be the Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin. According to the customary chieftaincy arrangement in Ibadan, Olakulehin’s ascension to the Olubadan position necessitates his nomination by the immediate superior in his line, Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, during a meeting convened by the most senior chief from the opposite line, Ladoja, within 21 days of the monarch’s passing.

Ladoja attempted to convene a meeting to initiate Olakulehin’s coronation process; however, the gathering was boycotted by other High Chiefs who have now been elevated to the status of Obas.

Among those who refrained from attending the meeting held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Olubadan palace in Oja Oba, Ibadan, were prominent figures such as Osi Olubadan Eddy Oyewole Foko, Ashipa Olubadan Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekerin Olubadan Hamidu Ajibade, Ekarun Olubadan Adebayo Akande, Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, Osi Balogun Lateef Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun Kola Adegbola, Ekerin Balogun Dada Isioye, and Ekarun Balogun Abiodun Azeez.

The non-attendance of the High Chiefs at the meeting has stirred tension in Ibadan. However, it has been confirmed that influential individuals from Ibadan convened with Ladoja on Wednesday, urging him to help prevent the looming crisis.

The gathering took place at the residence of Chief Bode Amao, a former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Among those present were Primate Emeritus of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Primate Sunday Ola Makinde, along with registered Mogajis (family heads) and other prominent indigenes of Ibadan.

“Some elders in Ibadan met with former Governor Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja on Wednesday to forestall the impending crisis,” a source stated. “The meeting, initiated by Primate Ola Makinde, was held at Chief Bode Amao’s residence in Iwo Road, chosen due to his seniority. Registered Mogajis also attended the meeting.