The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has said that although it is a tough decision for him to accept the beaded crown, he is ready to do so since it has become compulsory if he wants to become the Olubadan. He said many people had pleaded with him to first become a beaded crown monarch and he had heeded the pleas. Ladoja stated this on Sunday while appearing on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on ‘Fresh FM’ in Ibadan.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
As the climax of the controversial ammenment of the Ibadan chieftaincy tradition and law, the Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, recently passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The original version stated: “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, Section 4 of the amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
Section 4 of the new law 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 Crown Oba in that Line.”
Ladoja had vehemently been opposed to the introduction of the beaded obaship since the tenure of the former Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, who initiated it.
Some have also alleged that some forces might be out to see him lose his opportunity when Governor Makinde, with whom he is politically estranged, pursued the amendment to a final conclusion.
But speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.
“Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way.
I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland. Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan
“I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.
“It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”
