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Former Governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, will this week receive a ceremonial beaded crown, a palace source has disclosed.
Recall that Ladoja had officially made an announcement to accept the crown during a live socio-political programme on Fresh 105.9FM.
His decision to accept the beaded crown marked a renewal as he had insisted that he would only wear the Olubadan crown following a controversial move during the tenure of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who introduced the beaded crowns for high chiefs.
This move, however, faced fierce opposition in court between the then Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and Ladoja.
Upon the assumption of office by Governor Seyi Makinde, the high chiefs were forced to drop the crowns before the confirmation of Oba Lekan Balogun as the Olubadan of Ibadan, as recommended by Ladoja.
Makinde, however, reopened the beaded crown issue as Oba Balogun wrote to the governor, recommending that the high chiefs should wear the crown.
The matter was followed by series of deliberations at the state House of Assembly.
The bill to amend the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration was passed and assented to by Governor Makinde.
The new law no doubt generated an uproar, but after Oba Balogun’s exit, the government insisted that the new law be used in the process for the selection, nomination and approval of the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, leading to a long delay in the confirmation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the Olubadan.
Following the development, a credible palace source who did not want to be mentioned because of the sensitivity of the matter said, “The ceremonial beaded crown ought to have taken place today (Monday), August 5, 2024, but His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin, has not moved to the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace.
"He will pack his belongings to the palace this week. He is a lucky monarch, being the first Olubadan to occupy that palace.”
Another palace source said, “If High Chief Ladoja fails to accept the crown, it may consume him, God forbid! In the Olubadan succession line, Ladoja is next in line, but some sought to undermine him using the beaded crown. Thank God he had agreed to accept it.”
The monarch had his thanksgiving service at the St Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday, and he is expected to move to the palace this week.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, Lodaja said his decision to accept the crown was based on the influence of both the indigenes and non-indigenes of the land.
