Former governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, on Sunday said his decision to join other high chiefs to wear beaded crown should not be taken as if he had become an Oba.
He said despite his acceptance to wear beaded crown, which he described as a ceremonial crown, he remained the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaking with reporters at his Bodija home, the former governor said his decision to accept the beaded crown followed consultation with Christians, Muslims, Oluwo and Araba of Ibadanland, adding that his decision and what Ibadan people wanted warranted his acceptance.
He said taking the crown does not make him an Oba because it is a ceremonial crown.
Said he: “The crown is a ceremonial crown, and it is for those of us who are already in Olubadan line to become the Olubadan. We only have one Oba in Ibadanland, who is the Olubadan.
“For Ibadan, the crown does not make someone a king, I’m not an Oba, I still remain the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland. To be an Oba, you need to have a domain and chiefs. As Olubadan chief, you can’t be a king in Ibadan and wear your crown and horse whip to the Olubadan palace.
People said the amended Chieftaincy Law was targeted at me, but I believe the amended law was made public for me to know what can hinder me from becoming the Olubadan.
“It’s not just for me to become the Olubadan, it’s about service. Only God knows who will become Olubadan. What else do I want if God has been kind enough to me to live to this age?”
Sen. Ladoja, Olubadan-in-council, President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ajeniyi Ajewole, a lawyer; and President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, were among eminent Nigerians who attended thanksgiving service for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The service, held yesterday at Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including monarchs, politicians and religious leaders.
The Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Rotimi Aladekugbe, urged Oba Olakulehin to use his position to promote peace, unity and development in Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin thanked God for the opportunity to serve as the Olubadan of Ibadanland and promised to work for the progress and prosperity of his people.
He thanked the people of Ibadanland for their support and cooperation during his coronation.
The Olubadan was accompanied to the service by his children and other members of the royal family.
The service featured hymns, prayers and thanksgiving, as well as a special hymn in honour of the monarch.
It marked the end of the coronation activities of Oba Olakulehin, who was crowned as the 43th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
