Fresh crisis is currently brewing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over alleged plans to prevent the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, from becoming the Olubadan.
DAILY POST reports that Ladoja, a former governor of the state, is the most senior High Chief in Ibadan as at today.
Our correspondent gathered that the Otun Olubadan line where Ladoja comes from is the line to produce the next Olubadan.
DAILY POST learnt that crisis erupted in Ibadan shortly after the demise of the 42nd Olubadan Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun over who becomes the next Olubadan.
The crisis lasted for about three months and was put to rest when the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, was finally coronated on Friday, 12th July 2024.
DAILY POST authoritatively gathered that another crisis is currently brewing in Ibadan over plans by the state government to prevent Ladoja from becoming the next Olubadan, after Olakulehin.
The plans to prevent Ladoja from becoming Olubadan was contained in the newly reviewed Ibadan Chieftaincy declaration issued by Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in 2023.
Some details of the declaration were part of the programmes of event distributed during the coronation of Olakulehin on Friday. The document was obtained by DAILY POST on Sunday.
Our correspondent gathered that Section 4 of 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stated that, “The person who may be proposed as candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line”.
However, Section 4 of the new law, christened New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, stated that the phrase “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” has been replaced with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line”.
The section stated that, “The person who may be proposed as candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that line.”
DAILY POST gathered that Ladoja is the only High Chief among the recognised kingmakers of Ibadanland who refused to wear beaded crown.
Going by this new development, Ladoja may be prevented from becoming Olubadan.
Our correspondent reports that this has been a source of controversy among prominent indigenes of the ancient city.
DAILY POST gathered that this development is the major issue of discussion among indigenes of Ibadanland as at present.
Some of those who spoke noted that the new chieftaincy law which was made public on Friday is an invitation to another crisis in the ancient city.
An indigene of Ibadan, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that Ladoja may likely go to court to challenge the new law.
“Have you seen the new law? This new development is an invitation to crisis. Ladoja is the target and you can see it. It is not fair. The former governor may likely go to court to challenge the new law.”
Another indigene, who also asked not to be named, noted that the people of Ibadan will reject the new law.
“How can they say Ladoja will not become Olubadan? Ladoja is the most senior High Chief. He is the last man standing. He rejected the beaded crown because it is an aberration. It is an aberration. The people of Ibadan will reject the new law. Someone who has been on the line over 30 years ago. It is another crisis yet to start.”
(Daily Post)
