IBADAN – THE Olubadan-elect of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has broken his silence on his ascension to the ancient stool, describing his journey as “bumpy, filled with trials, and only made possible by the grace of God.” The former Oyo State governor said he was overwhelmed with shock when he received news of the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, noting that he never imagined destiny would call him to the throne at this time. The Olubadan-elect also paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing him as a leader who upheld tradition with dignity. He commiserated with family of the late Olubadan, the entire Olubadan in-council, and the Ibadan land praying for God to repose the soul of the departed. Addressing a crowd of well wishers who thronged his Ondo Street private residence at Bodija in Ibadan on Monday August 18, upon his arrival to the city from Lagos, Oba Ladoja recalled his over three-decade journey through the traditional hierarchy of Ibadan chieftaincy, which uniquely requires aspirants to climb 36 carefully arranged steps, beginning from Jagun Olubadan. Earlier upon his arrival in Ibadan from his two month trip outside of the state since the demise of the late Olubadan, Oba Ladoja headed straight to his family House in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area where according to him, the journey to the throne all began. In his words: “The road to the throne was indeed bumpy. Many of those who were with me and also stood by me when I became Jagun Balogun Olubadan are no longer alive today. It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and the grace of God,” he said. Oba Ladoja became Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993, shortly before his election as a senator representing Oyo South in the National Assembly. From there, he steadily rose through the ranks of the Balogun line, a process that has taken him more than 31 years before emerging as the Olubadan-elect. He explained that while the system is predictable in structure, the timing of ascension is never in the hands of any man. “When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, I was shocked and not ready at the time. It hit me with rude shock because I had envisaged that our king would still reign for another five to ten years but I was again confronted with the reality that the next turn was unavoidably mine. “Even though our system is structured and predictable, the timing is never ours. Only God decides. When I arrived, it was where the journey all began that I went for prayers. “And when I arrived there, I remembered many of those that were there with me on that day on 1st of October, 1993. I remember that Late MKO Abiola was present because he was in the mix of being called president-elect or not, Late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu was there, my late father and mother were also present. “Governor Kolapo Ishola, Dr Rahimi, Adebayo Akala were all there because he was the one that cover the palace when I became Jagun. My very good friend who we both became Jagun same day, Eyinadebimpe were in attendance. My friend Jimoh Aliu, Folake Aremu popularly known as ‘Orisabunmi’, and many other notable theater actors were there. “So, in my reflection, I asked God why I’ve been preserved in good health, then I realized I’m yet to complete my mission and God’s purpose for my life on earth. Therefore, I’m eternally grateful to God for his grace. “There were also many coincidences because I was born in 1944 and I’m the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. So, I’m grateful to everyone,” Oba Ladoja narrated. He particularly expressed gratitude to the Olubadan in-council for their official nomination to become the next king, saying “if they didn’t approve my nomination, what can I do? All the 10-man Olubadan in-council gave their unanimous approval, and I want to assure them that our relationship will grow better.” He asserted that God has destined them all to work together. He assured that now he is fully back and will commence engaging with relevant government and traditional authorities including the Governor, Oluwo and Araba of Ibadan as well as others to determine how to go about the process of coronation. He prayed that his time on the throne shall witness unprecedented prosperity, peace, and economic development. In his final remarks, Oba Ladoja appealed to Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad, as well as residents of the ancient city, to uphold him in their prayers for God’s guidance. “I seek your prayers for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to guide me in the discharge of this sacred duty as the new Olubadan. It is a huge responsibility, and I pray for divine direction to lead Ibadanland with fairness, peace, and progress,” he said. Aare Egbe Omobalogun of Ibadanland, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, said the reign of Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland will witness tremendous progress. He said, “It is going to be a period when Ibadan will witness remarkable development during his tenure. We are happy that he is back, and we pray that God will grant him the strength and wisdom to lead both Ibadan and Oyo State aright.” Chief Adeola Oloko, the Media Aide to Ladoja while speaking with Naijanewshub online Newspapers Reporter who was on ground to monitor the event said, “We are all aware that he has not been around, but today he returned to Ibadan to a very warm embrace by his people. He addressed us, assuring that his reign will foster cooperation among all members of the Olubadan-in-Council. He promised that his leadership will be one of unity and progress, and that the council will enjoy his full cooperation as he moves Ibadan forward. “The next step is the coronation rites. We will have to consult all relevant stakeholders, the Araba of Ibadanland, the Afobajes, and of course, His … Read more
