The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday, presented beaded crown to former Oyo State governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The coronation which will be the first since the 43rd Olubadan was crowned on July 12, 2024, marked a significant step in complying with the laws of Oyo State, regarding the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and Ascendancy.
The event was held at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke-Are, Ibadan and had in attendance Obas-in-Council, which is the highest decision-making body of the Ibadan chieftaincy system. But the Olubadan holds the authority over all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland.
During the presentation of staff of office to Oba Ladoja, the Acting Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said Ibadan is a famous town that needed to be peaceful at all times.
According to him, Ibadan is home to many prominent Yoruba leaders and accomplished individuals, hence the peacefulness of Ibadan signifies the peacefulness of Yorubaland as a whole, and we hope that this would continue.
Emphasizing that the historical event is a joyous occasion in Oyo state, the Acting Governor noted that for a state to move forward, its laws pertaining to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and Ascendancy must be adjusted.
He said: “We want the monarchy and royalty to be well founded and well established in Oyo state. And we believe with this, it’s a good thing for others to emulate in Yorubaland.
“So, on behalf of Governor Seyi makinde, I hereby present the staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, in accordance with the Chieftaincy declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland and in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2 subsection 20 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria.
Earlier in his acceptance speech, the former governor, Rashidi Ladoja, who expressed his profound gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oba -in-council, said Ibadan will continue to be united.
He noted that those in line of Obaship are all entitled to be coronated and thus remain advisers and servants to Olubadan for the progress of Ibadanland.
“We are advisers and servants to Olubadan. We only have one Olubadan in Ibadanland which is Oba Olakunlehin.
“So, I am expressing my profound gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for making the coronation a reality. My major concern is the development of Ibadanaland. And I pray the town to continue to witness unprecedented development and growth, Ladoja said.”
