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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The deputy governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal,on Monday, presented the staff of office to Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
Recall that Ladoja who had vehemently opposed the use of beaded crowns by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, recently announced that he is ready to wear a beaded crown in his quest to become Olubadan.
Presenting the staff office to Ladoja at the Olubadan-in-Council Chamber of the new Olubadan’s Palace in Oke Aremo, Lawal, who is the acting governor of the state, said the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde will continue to prioritise efforts that will enhance the status of the traditional institution and make it a worthy reference point for other South West states.
He noted that the coronation of Ladoja has put an end to all the controversies surrounding the issue of beaded crown in Ibadan land and has shown that the traditional institution is capable of reinventing itself without external interference.
Lawal congratulated Ladoja for accepting to wear a beaded crown.
“On behalf of the governor of the state, I greet the people of Ibadan.
“We thank God that, today, all the controversies surrounding the issue of the beaded crown have come to an end, even without external interference.
“I want to use this avenue to also thank the CCII President-General, the Aare Musulumi of Yrouba land, Edo and Delta and other dignitaries here present.
“Ibadan, as we all know, is a city of elites. If the city is peaceful, we believe the entire Yoruba land will be peaceful.
“In Oyo State, we believe that if we want to make progress, there must be little changes in how things should be done. Part of it is what we are doing here today. We want the royalty, monarchy to be well-founded and well-established in Oyo State.
“We believe if this is established in Oyo State, it will be a reference point in the entire Yoruba land.
“So, on behalf of the governor of Oyo State, I have the opportunity of presenting the instrument of office to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, following the conferment of Obaship on him by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin 1, the Olubadan of Ibadand land.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on me by Cap 28 Volume 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, and any other powers in that regard, I confer on you the title of His Royal Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land,” Lawal said.
Speaking after receiving the beaded crown, staff and certificate of office, Oba Ladoja thanked Makinde and the state government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reign in Ibadan land.
He also thanked the indigenes of Ibadan land for their support, and prayed for the progress of Ibadan and Oyo State.
Members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin; Commissioner for Environment, Honourable Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo, Delta States, Alhaji Daud Akinola; President-General of CCII, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole; former CCII President-General, Chief Bayo Oyero and Alhaji Nureni Akanbi, among other dignitaries attended the event.
