Ladoja Accepts Beaded Crown, Declares Intent to Become Olubadan

High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and the highest-ranking High Chief, has announced his acceptance of the beaded crown and his intention to become the Olubadan of Ibadan. He expressed his gratitude for God’s blessings during an appearance on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio program on Fresh FM in Ibadan on Sunday.

As the most senior High Chief and next in line for the Olubadan position, Ladoja confirmed his willingness to embrace the beaded crown, as required by the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

Ladoja revealed that he had faced considerable pressure from both Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes to accept the beaded crown, a step that would pave the way for his eventual ascension to the throne.

In his statement, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.”

He added, “Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way. I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland. Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan.”

Ladoja emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the desires of the Ibadan people, stating, “I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart. It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”

This development is viewed as a significant step towards reducing tensions following the release of a gazette that detailed amendments to the chieftaincy declaration.

The revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, enacted by the Oyo State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, modifies Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. The original declaration stated that the candidate for Olubadan would be the most Senior High Chief in the line. The amended Section 4 now specifies that the candidate must be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that line.