From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Controversy surrounding the unity of the Olubadan-in-council was on Monday laid to rest, as thousands of dignitaries within and outside Ibadan trooped to the new Olubadan’s palace at Oke-Are for the coronation of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as a beaded crown monarch.Â
Before Ladoja was given the crown, the Olubadan-in-council meeting was held under the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, who also presided over Ladoja’s beaded crown ceremony.
Speaking after receiving his beaded crown, Ladoja noted that those who anticipated a crisis in the ancient city due to the reform of the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration were disappointed.
He explained that the parties involved were able to resolve their differences amicably.
Ladoja also noted that he agreed to take the crown after his reservations and uncertainties were addressed.
“We can do our things on our own in Ibadanland. Those thinking that Ibadan will burn are liars. Whenever there is an issue among us, you will see that things will change once we enter the room and come out, that is all because we know what is right.
“Misunderstanding was the cause of what happened because what we were asking before was that as a king, where is our domain?
“They have answered us that we are kings in the Olubadan line because what the declaration tells us was that Otun can become king, Osi, Asipa and Ekeerin including all of us in the Olubadan line can become king.
“The question I have been asking, where is our domain has been answered.
“Only those that God destined can become the Olubadan, we have seen some who rose to the post of the Otun and Balogun but eventually did not become the Olubadan.
“Now that we have become kings, we have become advisers and servants to Oba Olakulehin because he can send us to wherever he wants as our king,” he said.
