High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has shifted his stance on becoming a beaded crown monarch.
News About Nigeria reports that Ladoja, a former Oyo State Governor, made this revelation during a radio interview on Fresh FM’s ‘Agbami Oselu’ program.
He is next in line to succeed the current Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who was installed as the 43rd Olubadan on July 12, 2024.
Ibadan has a unique traditional succession system, where individuals rise through the ranks to become Olubadan.
The throne alternates between military and civilian lines, with the current Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, from the military line.
Ladoja, as the most senior High Chief from the civilian line, is now in line to succeed Oba Olakulehin.
However, a 2023 gazette by the Oyo State Government, signed by Governor Seyi Makinde, introduced a new requirement for the Olubadan candidate.
The gazette mandates that the Olubadan candidate must wear beads, a change from the traditional system.
Ladoja had initially opposed this change but has now softened his stance.
This development sets the stage for Ladoja’s potential ascension to the throne as a beaded crown monarch.
Section 4 of the new Gazette states 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.”
Speaking on Sunday, Ladoja said numerous Ibadan and non-Ibadan people had mounted pressures on him to consent to becoming a bead-wearing monarch to pave the way for his ascension to the throne when the time comes.
“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. There is not amount of obstacles that they may put on the road, if God says someone will become Olubadan, he will become Olubadan.
“I will do what Ibadan people want. Everything is being determined by God. We have had many people who became Balogun that 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,” Ladoja said in Yoruba.
