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Tag: Ladoja

  • Gov. Makinde approves Ladoja’s nomination as next Olubadan

    Gov. Makinde approves Ladoja’s nomination as next Olubadan

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has approved the nomination of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The approval was sequel to a meeting on Wednesday between the state government delegation and Oba Ladoja as well as members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.

    Confirming the approval, Oba Ladoja’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, said the installation of the traditional ruler  has been fixed for Sept. 26, at the Mapo Hall, Oja-oba, Ibadan.

    NAN reports that Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, returned to Ibadan on Monday after weeks of absence from home.

    His nomination by the Olubadan Advisory Council on Aug. 4 followed the demise of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.

  • My journey to Olubadan throne filled with trials – Ladoja

    My journey to Olubadan throne filled with trials – Ladoja

    Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described his journey to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland as bumpy and filled with trials.

    Ladoja said this while addressing hundreds of Ibadan residents that besieged his Bodija residence on Monday evening to welcome him.

    He recalled his over three-decade journey through the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy, hierarchy, which uniquely requires aspirants to climb 36 carefully arranged steps, beginning from Jagun Balogun.

    The former governor of Oyo State said that many of those who started the journey with him when he became Jagun Balogun were no longer alive.

    Ladoja recalled that several prominent figures were present when he became Jagun, including MKO Abiola, Lamidi Adedibu, Dejo Raimi, Adebayo Alao-Akala, and Oba Lateef Adebimpe.

    Others are Jimoh Alliu and popular actress, Orisabunmi, all of whom he said have since passed away, leaving him to continue the journey alone.

    “It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and the grace of God,” the Olubadan designate said.

    According to him, he became Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on Oct 1, 1993, shortly before his election as a Senator representing Oyo South in the National Assembly.

    “From there, I steadily rose through the ranks of the Balogun line, a process that has taken me more than 31 years before emerging as the Olubadan designate,” he said.

    Ladoja explained further that “while the system is structured and predictable, the timing of ascension is never in the hands of any man, but only God decides”.

    He also paid tribute to his predecessor, late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, whom he described as a leader who upheld tradition with dignity.

    The Olubadan designate said that he received the news of the demise of Oba Olakulehin with shock, saying he never imagined destiny would call him to the throne so soon.

    He commiserated with the family of the late Olakulehin, the entire Olubadan Advisory Council, and the Ibadan indigenes.

    Ladoja further expressed gratitude to the Olubadan Advisory Council, which officially nominated him as the next Olubadan, assuring that his relationship with the council would progress.

    “I’m fully back and will commence engaging with relevant government and traditional authorities including the state governor, Oluwo and Araba of Ibadanland, as well as others, to determine how to go about the process of coronation,” he said.

    The former  governor appealed to Ibadan sons and daughters at home/ abroad, and all Ibadan residents to uphold him in their prayers for God’s guidance.

    “I seek your prayers for God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to guide me in the discharge of this sacred duty as the new Olubadan.

    ” It is a huge responsibility, and I pray for divine direction to lead Ibadanland with fairness, peace, and progress,” he stated.

    NAN reports that Ladoja, who was nominated as the 44th Olubadan by the Olubadan Advisory Council on Aug. 4 following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.

    He returned to Ibadan on Monday after a long absence from Ibadan.

  • Ladoja’s role in my emergence as governor in 2019 – Makinde reveals

    Ladoja’s role in my emergence as governor in 2019 – Makinde reveals

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Wednesday acknowledged that Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of the state, played a critical role in his emergency as governor in 2019.

    Makinde stated this while speaking on Wednesday in Ibadan during one of the ceremonies marking Ladoja 80th birthday at the celebrant’s residence.

    The governor said Ladoja, who is also the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, midwifed the process that led to his emergence as governor in 2019.

    He said that his political trajectory could therefore not be completed without Ladoja.

    “We may have some political differences. When I became governor in 2019, you (Ladoja) are the one that midwifed the process.

    “And I beg you that whenever I have offended you, I have begged you.

    “This is not the only thing, and sincerely we will re-align and there will be development,” Makinde said.

    Makinde said that witnessing the 80th birthday celebration made the day a special day for him and described Ladoja as a leading light in Ibadanland.

    He said the former governor still have a big role to play in the development of the state and people of the state would continue to look forward to his leadership.

    NAN reports that Muslim and Christian clerics, as well as traditionalists, offered prayers at the occasion for the celebrant.

    Dignitaries present also at the occasion included former Deputy Govenor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli, Sen. Fatai Buhari, politicians, businessmen and women, among others.

  • U Turn: Ex Oyo Gov. Ladoja agrees to wear beaded crown

    U Turn: Ex Oyo Gov. Ladoja agrees to wear beaded crown

    Former Oyo State governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, clarified yesterday that his decision to join other high chiefs in wearing a beaded crown should not be interpreted as him becoming an Oba. He emphasized that despite wearing the beaded crown, which he described as ceremonial, he remains the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.

     

    Speaking to reporters at his Bodija home, Ladoja explained that his decision followed consultations with Christians, Muslims, Oluwo, and Araba of Ibadanland, and was in line with the wishes of the Ibadan people. He reiterated that the ceremonial crown does not make him an Oba, as there is only one Oba in Ibadanland, the Olubadan.

     

    “The crown is ceremonial, for those of us in the Olubadan line to become the Olubadan. We have only one Oba in Ibadanland, who is the Olubadan,” Ladoja stated. “For Ibadan, the crown does not make someone a king. I remain the Otun Olubadan. To be an Oba, you need a domain and chiefs. As an Olubadan chief, you can’t be a king in Ibadan and wear your crown and horse whip to the Olubadan palace.”

     

    He addressed speculation that the amended Chieftaincy Law was targeted at him, suggesting that it was made public to inform him of any potential hindrances to becoming the Olubadan. “It’s not just about becoming the Olubadan, it’s about service. Only God knows who will become Olubadan. I am grateful for the life I’ve been given,” he added.

     

    Senator Ladoja, along with other dignitaries, attended a thanksgiving service for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Aremo, Ibadan. The service, attended by monarchs, politicians, and religious leaders, marked the end of the coronation activities for Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

     

    Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Rotimi Aladekugbe, urged Oba Olakulehin to use his position to promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland, praying for wisdom, guidance, and strength for the monarch. Oba Olakulehin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and committed to working for the progress and prosperity of his people.

  • After accepting beaded crown, Ladoja says I will become Olubadan by God’s mercy

    After accepting beaded crown, Ladoja says I will become Olubadan by God’s mercy

    The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has said that he will become the Olubadan of Ibadan, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy.

    Ladoja, the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line to become Olubadan, stated this on Sunday while appearing on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on Fresh FM in Ibadan.

    The former Governor of Oyo State also declared his intention to become a beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland, as stipulated by his status in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    He explained that various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time came.

    Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.

    “Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way.

    I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland. Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan

    “I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.

    “It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”

    This move is seen by many as crucial to de-escalating tensions arising from the publication of the gazette showing the new amendment.

    The Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

  • Next Olubadan already known to Ibadan people – Ladoja

    Next Olubadan already known to Ibadan people – Ladoja

    Chief  Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State and Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday said people of the ancient city already know the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Ladoja told newsmen that Ibadan already has an Olubadan-designate and there is no question about that, following Thursday’s demise of Oba Lekan Balogun.

    He spoke after a meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council at the Alalubosa residence of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the new Oba-designate.

    “The departed Oba Balogun came from the Otun line, and the next monarch will be from the Balogun line.

    “So, the head of Balogun line is the Balogun of Ibadanland, who has become the Olubadan-designate.

    “We all know that Ibadan does things accordingly If a king dies, we already know who is next, we refer to him as designate.

    “We are only here to formalise what is next after the burial rites of the deceased would have been completed.”

    Ladoja also said the meeting discussed how to give a befitting burial to the deceased.

    “Since the deceased was a Muslim, his remains must be buried in the Islamic way, and the Islamic way is that he has to be buried today (Friday).

    “So, it has been decided that he will be buried today (Friday) at Aliiwo, which is his ancenstral home by 4 p.m.”

    The former governor however said there was no date yet for the coronation of a new Olubadan.

    “But the date shall be announced as soon as the burial rites for the deceased were completed,” he said.

  • My target is to become Olubadan – Ladoja

    My target is to become Olubadan – Ladoja

    High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Wednesday in Ibadan said he was not interested in wearing any other crown except the Olubadan crown.

    Ladoja told newsmen at his residence after the Eid prayers that it has always been his target to become an Olubadan and was not going to wear any other crown

    There had been widespread speculation that the Ibadan high chiefs would be installed as beaded crown-wearing kings from July 7.

    Some high chiefs who were crowned during the administration of the late Abiola Ajimobi had surrendered the crowns after an out-of-court settlement.

    This was to pave way for Oba Lekan Balogun’s ascension to the Olubadan throne.

    However, Ladoja said information at his disposal revealed that the high chiefs were now seeking permission to resume wearing of their surrendered crowns.

    Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, said it was illegal for any Ibadan high chief to think he can resume wearing an already-surrendered beaded crown.

    He said there would not have been a new Olubadan of Ibadan by now if the high chiefs had failed to surrender their crowns and withdrew the case in court.

    “I joined the Olubadan line on Oct. 1, 1993. I joined as ‘Jagun Olubadan’ and my target was to become Olubadan. I did not expect that I was going to wear any beaded crown on the way.

    “If I wanted to do that, I would have become the ‘Baale’ of my village and I will be called ‘Baale’. Our role as high chiefs is to advise and support the Olubadan, not to wear crown with him,” Ladoja said.

    The former governor said he as an individual was not interested in any other crown apart from that of Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding “only God chooses kings in Ibadan”.

    Ladoja expressed dismay at the fact that some high chiefs want to short-circuit the system, saying such was alien to the Ibadan tradition.

    He said that it was not fair or right to have high chiefs as kings, adding there was no need to mend what was not broken.

    “I told them the story of Aliiwo. When Aliiwo was coming from Iwo, he passed through Lagun village where he left his followers to stay with other warriors in Ibadan.

    “If he had wanted to become Onilagun of Lagun, he would have done so. But people who started Ibadan said that they want to rule themselves. They want to rule the villages from the town,” the Otun-Olubadan said.

    The former governor added that he would however not go to court on the matter, saying there was no issue in the agitation of the high chiefs.

    Ladoja said that any Ibadan indigene can go to court over such issues since every bonafide Ibadan man is a potential king.

  • TINUBU: Nothing wrong with choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket – Ladoja

    TINUBU: Nothing wrong with choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket – Ladoja

    Former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State says there is nothing wrong with the choice of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, if it will bring the desired growth and development to Nigeria.

    Ladoja made the assertions while speaking with newsmen on Saturday in his Bodija residence in Ibadan.

    The former governor said that the sentiment of Muslim-Muslim ticket should not be a criteria for electing leaders.

    “I don’t see anything wrong in Muslim-Muslim ticket, because I don’t intervene in the religion matters. Muslims and Christians are from the same father, Abraham is known as Ibrahim in Islam.

    “Some people are following Ismail, while some are following Isaac who are siblings. So, what is now my own to be fighting for one among them.

    “Even, I don’t have time to fight with the traditionalists. It is only God that knows his servants; so, why must we fight over religion,” he said.

    The former governor said that all religions, including traditional religion, preach love and good characters.

    Ladoja said that if not for the crisis and killings in some parts of the country, they usually don’t think about the kind of religion anyone was practicing.

    According to him, it is only politicians that usually cause crisis with religion. They are the causes of all these things, but God will intervene.

    “But, when gunmen started attacking churches and kidnapping clerics in Christendom, people started doubting their fellow brothers who belongs to another religion,” former governor said.

    He said there were many factors involved in electing a president, adding that it also required more prayers.

    The former governor said that his prayers, including that of other Nigerians, was not a repeat of what happened to the late Chief M.K.O Abiola in 1993.

    “There are many factors involved in electing the President. Whoever wants to be president and those working for him, have to work very hard.

    “In fact, they will need more prayers as they are consulting. With all these efforts, God has the final say on who becomes the president.

    “Chief M.K.O Abiola, a Muslim was elected along his Muslim vice, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe. We only pray that if Tinubu wins, it won’t turn into same scenario of late Abiola,” he said.

    Ladoja decried the recent attack on the advance party of President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina and Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

    He said that government need to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to end these heinous killings across the country.

  • Olubadan-in-Council to present Balogun to Makinde as next Olubadan – Ladoja

    Olubadan-in-Council to present Balogun to Makinde as next Olubadan – Ladoja

    The controversy trailing the nomination of the next Olubadan of Ibadanland in the last two was on Saturday brought to end after a close-door meeting the Olubadan-in-Council with Gov. Seyi Makinde.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting summoned by the governor over issue of the next Olubadan of Ibadan, was held at the State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

    NAN reports that tongues had been wagging as to who would succeed the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji,who joined his ancestors on Sunday, Jan. 2 at 93 years.

    The traditional ruler died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, during an illness.

    Oba Adetunji died few weeks after the Soun of Ogbomoso and Asigangan of Igangan joined their ancestors.

    NAN reports that Oba Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, ascended the throne of his forefathers on March 4, 2016.

    Briefing newsmen after the meeting presided over by the governor, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, said that all matters causing crises over the Olubadan stool had been resolved.

    “The governor has been magnanimous to have called this meeting because those of us that said we were not going to meet at all finally met and we have resolved all the matters.

    “I can tell you that by next week there wouldn’t be any tension Ibadan again,” Ladoja, also a former Governor of Oyo State, said.

    On resolution of the meeting, the Osi Olubadan said the parties had resolved on how to settle the pending cases in court.

    He said none of the council members argued that the Otun Olubadan, Sen. Lekan Balogun “is not the next Olubadan. All of us agreed on that one because that’s our hierarchy.

    “I can tell you that Olubadan-in-Council is one and all is well; we are happy that the matter has been resolved and we are grateful to Gov. Seyi Makinde.

    On when to expect the announcement of next Olubadan, Ladoja said: “We have our procedure, now that everything has been resolved, the council will meet and present the candidate to the governor for assent.

    “We thank all Ibadan indigenes and lovers of Ibadan for their concerned.”

    Ten members of the Olubadan- in-Council, who attended the meeting were Chief Rashidi Ladoja (Osi Olubadan); Chief Tajudeen Ajibola (Osi Balogun); Chief Olufemi Olaifa (Otun Balogun); Chief Amidu Ajibade (Ekaarun Olubadan) and Chief Lateef Gbadamosi, the Ashipa Balogun Olubadan.

  • Ladoja reacts to controversy around Olubadan stool

    Ladoja reacts to controversy around Olubadan stool

    High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadan, says High Chief Lekan Balogun, the Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland, is the next in line to ascend the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Ladoja, also a former Governor of Oyo State, made the declaration on Thursday at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ladoja was reacting to the controversy trailing who becomes the next Olubadan since the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji on Jan. 2.

    Ladoja said Balogun, as the most senior, is the next in line to the throne.

    “There is no controversy about it. Egbon Lekan Balogun is the most senior in our line and so he is the next in line to the throne.

    “For those asking, my ‘body and mouth language’ is that Egbon Lekan is my senior and he is next in line to the Olubadan stool,” the former governor said.

    Expressing his displeasure at the unwarranted tension the issue had generated, Ladoja said that he does not have power to make anyone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    He explained that it was the High Chiefs who instituted two pending suits now generating the unwarranted tension, urging them to withdraw suits.

    “In 2017, we instituted a case to challenge the needless reform that Abiola Ajimobi as the Governor wanted to do.

    “Almost all of us as High Chiefs and members of the Olubadan-in-Council agreed to the filing of a suit to challenge him and we gave the task to Michael Lana.

    “Lana later called me to say some of the High Chiefs told him to remove their names from the suit, leaving only my elder brother Balogun and myself.

    “I asked Lana if I could do it alone and he told me ‘yes’ and we continued. We won the case at the state High Court and Ajimobi appealed.

    “In the judgment, the Appeal Court, a few days to the exit of Ajimobi from government, sent the case back to the High Court for a retrial.

    “They, Judges of the Appellate Court, said the case was brought under writ of summons instead of originating summons,” he said.