Ladoja meets kingmakers, deliberates on installation process

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, on Tuesday met with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

All the kingmakers were in attendance except the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was unavoidably absent.

The meeting, the first since Oba Ladoja’s return following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, in Ibadan, was held behind closed doors and lasted for close to two hours.

Confirming the development in a statement, the media aide to the Olubadan-designate, Chief Adeola Oloko, disclosed that the meeting took place between 11:25 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. at Oba Ladoja’s Bodija residence.

The statement read:

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“The meeting was believed to have observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, while Oba Ladoja was away from Ibadan. It was their first meeting with him in the past two and a half months.

“The delegation, led by the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, later congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan.

“They told him that public expectations of his reign were very high and assured him of their continuous prayers for divine guidance. They also discussed issues concerning his coronation, particularly cultural and ceremonial matters.

“They noted that an unprecedented crowd was expected at the coronation and emphasised the need to ensure everything was properly organised. They further expressed their willingness to serve in any capacity before, during, and after the ceremony.

“The Olubadan-elect appreciated the council members for unanimously ratifying his candidacy in his absence. He promised to run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take their opinions into account.

“He sought their support and cooperation in taking Ibadan to greater heights. Regarding the coronation, he said the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, alongside other stakeholders such as the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje, had important roles to play. He added that now that he is back, meetings could be held with His Excellency, the Governor, to finalise details before an official date is announced.

“He assured the monarchs that the Olubadan-in-Council would be fully carried along and that whoever they nominated into the State Coronation Committee would be forwarded for approval.

“Afterwards, they had lunch together.”

Those present at the meeting included the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.

The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, was said to have sent his apologies for being absent, while High Chief Alli gave the vote of thanks.

Several dignitaries also visited Oba Ladoja on Tuesday, including former Minister Elder Wole Oyelese, the 2023 APC governorship candidate Senator Teslim Folarin, as well as chiefs, businessmen, and community leaders.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE