LADOJA DESCRIBES JOURNEY TO OLUBADAN THRONE AS BUMPY, FILLED WITH TRIALS

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described his path to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland as rough and marked by numerous challenges.

He made this remark while addressing hundreds of Ibadan residents who trooped to his Bodija residence on Monday evening to welcome him.

Reflecting on his over 30-year progression through the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy hierarchy — a process that requires aspirants to climb 36 structured steps beginning from Jagun Balogun — the former Oyo State governor noted that many of his contemporaries had passed on.

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

According to him, he attained the title of Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993, shortly before he was elected 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.

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

Paying tribute to his predecessor, the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ladoja described him as a monarch who preserved tradition with honor.

He said he received the news of Olakulehin’s passing with shock, adding that he never expected destiny would summon him to the throne so soon.

He extended condolences to the late monarch’s family, the Olubadan Advisory Council, and the people of Ibadan.

Ladoja also expressed appreciation to the Olubadan Advisory Council for nominating him, assuring that his relationship with the council would be strengthened.

“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.

Appealing to Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad, as well as residents of the city, the Olubadan-designate asked for spiritual support.

“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.

Ladoja was nominated as the 44th Olubadan by the Olubadan Advisory Council on August 4, following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.

He returned to Ibadan on Monday after a lengthy absence.