The Balogun of Ibadan-designate, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, on Monday, gave an insight into how former governor of Oyo State and the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, would be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland without any rancour, unlike his predecessor.
His revelation comes as activities leading to the coronation of Oba Ladoja began with interdenominational prayers at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state, on Monday.
At the event were the Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Azeez, Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande and other dignitaries.
Oba Ladoja will receive the staff of office and instrument of office on Friday, September 26, at an elaborate ceremony scheduled for Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries from across the country, led by President Bola Tinubu.
His crowning followed the transition of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.
Speaking exclusively on the process that led to Ladoja’s emergence with The PUNCH in Ibadan, Oba Ajibola said the circumstances that surrounded Ladoja’s emergence were different from those of Olakulehin.
The PUNCH reported that Ajibola, who was then the Otun Balogun at the time of Oba Olakulehin’s emergence, had insisted that the late monarch should be given more time to be fit for the throne.
He based his reason on the fact that after the passage of Oba Lekan Balogun, the next-in-line, Oba Olakulehin, was not seen, nor was his whereabouts confirmed to ascertain the state of his health to mount the throne.
Ajibola described the Olubadan stool as a unique one, adding that Ladoja’s emergence was a settled matter.
“You see, the other time, during the emergence of Oba Olakulehin, what happened was just by coincidence. It was not that we disagreed. What we were saying was that it was too early, because Lekan Balogun had just been buried; he had not even gone properly. That’s why we had differences.
“And the position I was in then was a similar position our present Imperial Majesty was in at the time. When there was a difference, I was the one who went to Mapo to clear it, to say that the man (Olakulehin) was hearty and nothing was wrong with him. The issue came to pass, and we moved on.
“Then, nobody heard about him or from him. None of us could reach him for a long time.
“However, in this circumstance, immediately Oba Olakulehin joined his ancestors, Oba Ladoja communicated with us. He phoned me all the time, we talked, and we all knew the next person.
“So, there is no problem at all. No dispute. It’s destined, and the throne has been created by God,” he said.
Oba Ajibola also noted that what would have been another obstacle was the issue of the crown, adding that Oba Ladoja had sorted that out a long time ago, as he agreed to take the crown.
“So why would we continue to fight ourselves? We know it’s his turn, and after him, we know the next person, and the next, and the next.
“So, we thank God that He has made Ibadan peaceful. We will continue to celebrate.
“No complaints. Everybody is happy with the type of man coming to become Olubadan,” he said.
The Balogun-designate, who is at the apex of the Balogun ruling line chieftaincy, lauded the political experience of Ladoja, adding that Ibadan would be great with his leadership.
“If he can combine his political experience with traditional leadership and join hands with the people, Ibadan will be great.
“I’m very happy, Ibadan people are very happy, and the whole world is happy that the throne has clear lines and is well prepared.
“I celebrate and congratulate our Imperial Majesty, Oba Ladoja. So, no problem,” he stated.
Oba Ajibola further stated that Ladoja’s emergence was destined by God to happen.
“What I’m trying to say is that there is a foundation for everything. Everything is possible before God. What God has destined to happen, it will definitely happen,” he said.
Speaking on the uniqueness of Olubadan stool, Oba Ajibola said “You know Ibadan is a very big city, it is like a country, a kingdom on its own, we are very lucky that we don’t have dispute, we don’t have to look for Ifa oracle to know who is next, because there are only two lines to become the Olubadan. There used to be three lines, but there are two now, which are the Otun line and the Balogun line.
“The line that has just passed was Balogun’s line, so it’s Otun’s line now. That’s very clear.”
Speaking at the interdenominational prayers for the coronation on Monday, the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole, posited that the reign of Oba Ladoja would bring peace and development to the ancient city.
He said, “It has never happened in the history of Ibadanland for a former senator and governor to become the Olubadan.”
In his sermon, a former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Sunday Makinde, admonished Oba Ladoja to allow peaceful co-existence among the three religions in Ibadanland.
He also urged the Olubadan-In-Council, monarchs, Baales, and Mogajis in Ibadanland to join hands with him towards the progress and development of the ancient city.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, prayed for Ibadan to witness unprecedented peace and development during Ladoja’s reign.
Highlights of the event include rendition of Iyere Ifa by the traditionalists, reading of Psalms by the Christians and reading of the Quran by the Muslim faithful.
Other dignitaries at the event were the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Joshua Akinyemiju; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Daud Makanjuola; the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Taliat Ayilara; representatives of other religious bodies, among others.
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