Oyo acting gov presents staff of office to Ladoja

• Says Ibadan traditional system reference point to others
• Why I accepted to wear beaded crown, by Ladoja
• Restates Olakulehin remains Olubadan

Oyo State Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, yesterday, said that the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde would prioritise efforts that would enhance the status of the royal system in the state and make it a worthy reference point for other South-west states.

Lawal said this during the elevation of Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, to a beaded crown-wearing Oba in line with the amended Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

At the event held at the Olubadan-in-Council Chamber of the new Olubadan’s Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, the acting governor maintained that the occasion had put an end to all the controversies surrounding the issue of the beaded crown in Ibadanland and had also shown that the traditional system is capable of reinventing itself without external interference.

Lawal, while presenting the staff of the office and certificate to Ladoja, congratulated him on the acceptance of the beaded crown.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, performed the crowning of Ladoja as one of the beaded crown Obas in the city.

He said: “With the coronation of Oba Rasidi Ladoja as a beaded crown Oba, my reign is starting on a very harmonious note to the benefit of Ibadanland as all kingmakers are all now on the same page.”

However, Ladoja, shortly after receiving the beaded crown, staff of office and certificate of office, thanked Makinde and the state government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in Ibadanland.

The senator, who also thanked the indigenes of Ibadanland for their support, prayed for the progress of Ibadanland and Oyo State, noting that the people of Ibadan are one and have ways of settling their misunderstanding.

He said: “They said we should do it the way it is supposed to be done. Ibadan is capable of doing its things. We have ways of doing our things. Once we enter the inner chamber, we must realise that things will change. All the problems were as a result of misunderstanding.”

Ladoja, who said that Oba Owolabi Olakulehin remains the only paramount king in the ancient city, while all other kings are considered subjects and advisers, noted that he agreed to take the crown after all his reservations and uncertainties were addressed.