Being A King Is Tougher Than Being Governor – Olubadan Ladoja
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has said that serving as a traditional ruler is more demanding than governing a state.
Oba Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, stated this on Monday while receiving the Oniru of Iru, Lagos State, Oba Wasiu Lawal, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
He explained that government officials operate with clearly defined structures, funding mechanisms and coercive powers, whereas monarchs work without such institutional advantages. According to him, the lack of constitutional roles for traditional rulers makes their responsibilities even more challenging despite their closeness to the grassroots.
The monarch added that public expectations of the Olubadan stool are “very high” due to its wide jurisdiction, noting that meeting these needs requires thinking “outside the box.”
Oba Ladoja also reminisced about his years living on Lagos Island, describing them as memorable and formative.
Earlier, the Oniru praised the Olubadan’s virtues and spoke about the unique challenges faced by former public office holders who later assume traditional leadership roles.
Those who joined the Olubadan in welcoming the Lagos monarch included the Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli; former Senate Leader and Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Teslim Folarin; alongside several chiefs and aides.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
