Coronation of 11 Ibadan High Chiefs: Ladoja sends message from Cotonou, may go to court
Yinka ADETUNJI
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja may not be part of the 11 Ibadan High Chiefs recently elevated to become beaded crown Obas by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Recall that the Oyo State Governor had signed into law the State Chieftaincy system bill as amended by the Oyo State Legislature which gives the governor the sole power to decide who becomes what in Oyo traditional council.
Subsequently news is making rounds that the eleven High Chiefs in Ibadan are scheduled to be elevated to beaded crown Obas with their coronation reportedly slated for July.
Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi followed the same path during his tenure but was met with stiff resistance from the late Olubadan Oba Soliu Adetunji and Senator Ladoja thus court cases were instituted to challenge the move considered inconsistent with Ibadan Chieftaincy Laws.
Meanwhile, a source very close to the former governor, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, has hinted p the Otun Olubadan will distance himself from the coronation of the High Chiefs as beaded crown Obas.
‘‘Baba is presently in Cotonou. He has not made his position known on this new development but I can tell you he will not be part of this comedy.
“The last time I spoke with him about it. What he said was that he did not set out to become a lesser Oba when he began the journey. His dream is to become the Olubadan and nothing less.
‘‘I think Baba will be available in Ibadan before Sallah. He will surely make his position known. You know he doesn’t have the power to stop others from being crowned. But as for him, he will not be part of the coronation of High Chiefs. Baba has nothing against the elevation of those Baales to beaded crown Obas once due process is followed, ‘ the source submitted.
The source went further to state that the former governor might likely approach the court to challenge the decision of the government on this development.
