The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, held his first major meeting with the Olubadan-in-Council since his arrival in Ibadan, following the death of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The meeting, which took place at Oba Ladoja’s private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area, lasted for nearly two hours behind closed doors.
All the kingmakers were present, except the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was unavoidably absent.
In a statement by the Olubadan-designate’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, the meeting commenced at 11:25 a.m. and ended around 1:20 p.m.
According to the statement, “The meeting was believed to have observed one minute silence in honour of late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, when Oba Ladoja was not in Ibadan.
“It was their first meeting with Ladoja in the past two and a half months.”
Led by the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, the kingmakers congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan, noting the high expectations of the public regarding his reign.
“They told Oba Ladoja that the public expectation over him was very high, adding that they would continue to pray to God to give him unction to function.
They later discussed issues concerning his coronation, especially as it affects cultural and ceremonial matters,” the statement added.
The kingmakers reportedly emphasized that an unprecedented crowd was expected at the coronation, stressing the need for adequate planning.
They also pledged their full support to the Olubadan-designate before, during, and after the installation.
In his response, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to the council members for unanimously ratifying his candidacy even in his absence.
“He promised them that as Olubadan, he would run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration their opinions.
“He solicited their support and co-operation in taking Ibadan to the next level,” Oloko stated.
On the coronation ceremony, the Olubadan-designate acknowledged the roles of Governor Seyi Makinde and traditional stakeholders, including the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje, in the process.
“He added that now that he is back home, they can now meet to discuss the coronation details with His Excellency, the Governor. It is after this is done that the date agreed upon would be announced.
“But he assured the monarchs that the Olubadan-in-Council would be carried along by him, and whoever they nominate in the state Coronation Committee will be sent to the state for approval,” the statement read.
After deliberations, the meeting ended with lunch, with High Chief Sharafadeen Alli giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the council.
Those present included Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.
Meanwhile, several dignitaries also paid courtesy visits to Oba Ladoja, including former Minister, Elder Wole Oyelese, 2023 APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, as well as prominent chiefs, businessmen, and community leaders.