Crisis Brews As Makinde, Others Move To Stop Ladoja From Becoming Olubadan (Documents)

Another crisis is brewing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital over alleged plans by the state government and some people to prevent the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, from becoming the Olubadan.

Osun Defender gathered that the development is already generating tension among stakeholders and indigenes of the ancient town.

Ladoja, a former governor of the state, is the most senior High Chief in Ibadan as of today and next in line to become Olubadan.

However, an amendment to the Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration has made it difficult for Ladoja to become the Olubadan.

The newly reviewed Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration was issued by the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in 2023.

Some details of the declaration were part of the programme of event distributed during the coronation of Olakulehin on Friday.

Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stated that “The person who may be proposed as 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 new law, christened New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, stated that the phrase “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” has been replaced with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line”.

The section stated that, “The person who may be proposed as 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 is the only High Chief among the recognised kingmakers of Ibadanland who refused to wear beaded crown.

Going by this new development, Ladoja may be prevented from becoming Olubadan.