In a significant turn of events, the former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja, has ascended to a new royal status as he was formally crowned as an Oba by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
This ceremony, which took place at Afin Olubadan, Ile Ibadan, Oke-Aremo, marked a historic moment for Ibadan, as Ladoja, once a vocal opponent of Ibadan High Chiefs wearing beaded crowns, finally agreed to wear the beaded crown after intervention by some prominent Ibadan personalities.
The coronation was presided over by the State Governor deputy governor Adebayo Lawal, who officially presented Oba Ladoja with the staff and instruments of office.
Mr Lawal stated that the recent amendment to the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law was designed to reinforce the state’s monarchical traditions, ensuring a stronger and more established royal institution.
Oba Ladoja, in his address, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Ibadan for their support, offering prayers for the continued prosperity, peace, and development of the city.
His crowning by the Araba of Ibadanland, Ifalere Odegbami, in accordance with traditional rites, symbolized the resolution of longstanding disputes over the beaded crown within the community.
The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja not only consolidates his status within the Ibadan royal hierarchy but also puts to rest the controversies that have long surrounded the issue of beaded crowns in Ibadanland.
