Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadaland, has stated that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State lacks the authority to crown the new Olubadan of Ibadaland, and can only present the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch. Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, made this declaration on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, emphasizing that it is the people of Ibadaland who will coronate the new Olubadan, not the governor.
Ladoja’s statement was in response to Governor Makinde’s declaration at the burial ceremony of the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, that he would coronate the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, when he is medically fit. Ladoja argued that it is the Oluwo of Ibadaland, not the governor, who crowns a new Olubadan. According to Ladoja, the governor’s role is limited to presenting staff and instruments of office to the new Olubadan.
Despite their disagreement, Ladoja denied any rift with Governor Makinde, stating that he enjoys a cordial relationship with the governor. He noted that the governor had sent him a cow and bags of rice as a gift for Sallah and had also called to greet him for the festival.
The coronation of the new Olubadan has been delayed due to the health condition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. However, Ladoja believes that the new Olubadan is fit and will soon be crowned by the Oluwo of Ibadaland.
Ladoja insisted that he is not the target of the delay in crowning the new Olubadan, saying that he enjoys a cordial relationship with Governor Makinde. “I am not the target of Governor Seyi Makinde. He is not delaying the coronation because of me. He sent a very big cow and many bags of rice to me for the Sallah. He had called to greet me for the festival,” Ladoja said. “It is only God that makes kings. I believe that by God’s grace, the new Olubadan will soon be crowned,” he added.
