The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has stated that he will become the Olubadan of Ibadan, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy.

Ladoja, the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line to become Olubadan, stated this on Sunday while appearing on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on Fresh FM in Ibadan.

The former Governor of Oyo State also declared his intention to become a beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland, as stipulated by his status in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

He explained that various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time came.

Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.

“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.

“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 move is seen by many as crucial to de-escalating tensions arising from the publication of the gazette showing the new amendment.

The Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

The original version stated: “The person who may be proposed as a 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 amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”

Section 4 of the new law states: “The person who may be proposed as a 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.” (Sunday PUNCH)

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