The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, performed his first official duty on Monday (yesterday, August 12) by elevating former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, to the status of a beaded-crown-wearing Oba.
This elevation is in accordance with the amended Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which was published in a gazette on July 12, the day Oba Olakulehin was coronated.
The development marks the end of a seven-year impasse in the Olubadan chieftaincy, with the last remaining opposition to the beaded crown now adopting the title of His Royal Majesty and henceforth being known as Oba Ladoja.
The controversy began during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who on August 28, 2017, conferred the title of Oba on several high chiefs and baales.
Oba Ladoja had initially refused to accept the beaded crown until the recent amendment and gazetting of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, which stipulated that only a beaded-crown Oba could ascend to the position of Olubadan.
However, on Sunday, August 4, Oba Ladoja reversed his stance, expressing his willingness to accept the crown in the best interest of Ibadanland.
The installation ceremony took place at the ultramodern Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, located in the Ibadan North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Acting Governor Bayo Lawal emphasized that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to enhancing the status of the royal system in the state, making it a model for other southwestern states.
He noted that the occasion had resolved all controversies surrounding the beaded crown in Ibadanland and demonstrated that the traditional system could evolve without external influence.
Lawal congratulated Oba Ladoja on accepting the beaded crown, stating, “On behalf of the Governor, I extend greetings to the people of Ibadan.”
“We are grateful that today, all controversies surrounding the beaded crown have been resolved without external interference,” Lawal enthused. “I also wish to thank the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Aare Musulumi of Oyo, Edo, and Delta states, and other distinguished guests here today.”
He added, “Ibadan is a city of the elite. When the city is at peace, we believe the entire Yorubaland will be at peace. In this state, we understand that progress requires some changes in how things are done. What we are witnessing today is part of that change. We want royalty and the monarchy to be well-founded and firmly established in the state.”
