Rashidi Ladoja, former Governor of Oyo State and the current Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has expressed his disapproval of Ibadan high chiefs wearing crowns, stating that it goes against Ibadan tradition. Ladoja made these remarks during a press conference at his residence on Wednesday in celebration of Eid el-Kabir.
Reports indicate that the Oyo State government plans to install certain high chiefs as kings, granting them the title of Oba. However, Ladoja, who served as the governor of the state from 2003 to 2007, has criticized this plan.
During the press conference, Ladoja emphasized that it is inappropriate for high chiefs, particularly those in the Olubadan succession line, to wear crowns. He stated, “You don’t mend what is not broken. I don’t think it is right to make high chiefs Obas. The only crown I want to wear is the Olubadan crown. Everybody knows that it is God who makes one an Oba. As far as I am concerned, it is not proper for high chiefs to wear crowns. My intention is to become Olubadan.”
Ladoja firmly believes that the existing tradition should be preserved and opposes any attempts to alter it. He holds the view that an Oba is a title bestowed by God and should not be granted to high chiefs. His ultimate aspiration is to become the Olubadan, the paramount ruler of Ibadan.
As the discussions regarding the installation of high chiefs as kings continue, Ladoja remains steadfast in his stance, advocating for the preservation of Ibadan tradition and the Olubadan crown as the sole symbol of kingship.
