Former Oyo Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja has broken his silence over the recent review of Ibadan Chieftaincy law.

He said his ambition, when he joined the Olubadan line, was not to become a lesser king but the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland said he is only interested in becoming the Olubadan and not an ‘elevated Oba.

Governor Seyi Makinde recently signed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill that granted him autonomy to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs in the State into law.

The Governor was said to have given his consent to the promotion of the high chiefs who will officially be installed traditional rulers on Friday, July 7, 2023.

But Ladoja, while speaking at his Bodija residence after observing Eid prayers at the University of Ibadan (UI) Muslim praying ground, said there no need to fix what is not broken.

He said: “Nothing has changed, you don’t mend what is not broken, it is not fair to elevate high chiefs to Obas, my focus is to become Olubadan, not lesser Oba.”

Ibadan High chiefs are Balogun of Ibadan land, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Rashidi Ladoja; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole, and Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe.

Other are Ashipa Olubadan, Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye; Ekarun Olubadan; Bayo Akande and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez. (The Nation: Text, Excluding Headline)