The Otun Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has officially crowned as an Oba by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
This was as the Acting Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal officially presented staff and instruments of office to the newly crowned Oba.
Speaking during the official coronation ceremony held at the Oke-Aremo palace of the Olubadan on Monday, August 12, Barrister Lawal justified the amendment of the Oyo state Chieftaincy Law saying the move was for royalty and monarchy in the state to be well-founded and established.
The Acting Governor equally stated that Governor Makinde was unavailably absent from the event due to his vacation which has kept him away from town.
He equally affirmed that his presentation of Staff and Instruments of Office to Oba Ladoja was in exercise of powers conferred on him by Cap 28 Volume 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, and any other powers in that behalf.
“On behalf of the Governor of the state, I greet the people of Ibadan. We thank God that, today, all the controversies surrounding the issue of beaded crown have come to an end even without external interference.
“I want to use this avenue to also thank the CCII President-General, Aare Musulumi of Oyo, Edo and Delta and other dignitaries here present.
“Ibadan, as we all know, is a city of elites. If the city is peaceful, we bealieve the Yorubaland entirely is peaceful. Today is a day of joy for the people of Inadanland and Oyo State generally.
“In Oyo State, we believe that if we want to make progress, there must be little changes in how things should be done. So, part of it is what we are doing here today. We want the royalty, monarchy to be well-founded and well-established in Oyo State.
“We believe if this is established in Oyo State, it will be a reference point in the entire Yorubaland. So, for this reason, on behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, I have the opportunity to present the instrument of office to the HRM Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
“Conferment of Obaship on Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin I, the Olubadan of Ibadandland, which is being given by me under my seal and my signature.
“In exercise of powers conferred on me by Cap 28 Volume 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, and any other powers in that behalf, I confer on you the title of Royal Majesty, Oba Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Despite the significance of his new role, Oba Ladoja, in his inaugural address after being crowned, emphasized that the Olubadan remains the supreme traditional ruler in Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and members of His Council for their united spirit and cohesion, and pledged to uphold the customs, cultural heritage, and traditions of the land.
Oba Ladoja equally expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Ibadanland while praying for more prosperity, peace, and development in Ibadan.
Earlier, the Araba of Ibadanland and Olu of Isese, Chief Ifalere Odegbami Odegbola, officially crowned Oba Ladoja in line with traditional rites.
Present at the event were the Aare of Ibadanland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola Makanjuo, who is also the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta. Also, President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Niyi Ajewole, and others.