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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Former governor of Oyo State, Sen Rashidi Ladoja, on Friday, shunned the coronation ceremony of 11 High Chiefs to the position of Obas.
Recall that Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, had on Thursday announced his plan to elevate the High Chiefs to beaded crown wearing monarchs.
According to the monarch, the 11 High Chiefs would be addressed as ‘His Royal Majesties’ henceforth.
However, Ladoja, who is the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land was conspicuously absent at Friday’s ceremony held at Mapo Hall.
All the other 10 High Chiefs who have been elevated to Obas were present at the ceremony.
Those crowned and presented with staffs of office include Balogun of Ibadan, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe and Ashipa Olubadan, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Others are Ashipa Balogun, High Chief Kolawole Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Dada Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Adebayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Abiodun Azeez.
The event was attended by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Other dignitaries at the event include former deputy governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Speaking, Makinde noted that the consenting authority is the Olubadan and not the governor.
He maintained that the elevation was in line with what the people of the ancient city requested.
“We are here for one thing, the Olubadan of Ibadan is crowning his High Chiefs as Obas. It is not the government that is giving the High Chiefs crowns. I am not aware of the crown. I am not in the line. What is happening today is internal.
“If the royal father said there is a need for reform, me, as the governor, I will support them. Out of the 11 High Chiefs we have in Ibadan, 10 of them have been crowned today. Even in a democracy, the majority will have its way and the minority will have their say and we have heard them; anyone that is not satisfied can go to court.
“The consenting authority today is the Olubadan and not the governor. Those who go to court will waste their time. What the people want, we have done it for them. I want to charge the new Obas to do good to their people. I thank all my people in Ibadan. Thank you,” the governor said.