Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s close friend Mr. Lateef Popoola has informed the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan that Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadan, is attempting to deprive Ladoja of his position as Otun Olubadan.
This information was discovered by News men on Tuesday and was included in an affidavit Popoola submitted to the court.
As you may recall, the Olubadan recently elevated some High Chiefs to the rank of Oba.
Ladoja declared he would not take part in what he called an aberration.
Ladoja served as both the state’s governor from 2003 to 2007 and the Otun Olubadan.
Additionally, he said he would not be attending the ceremony on July 7, 2023, Friday.
Ladoja had also gone before the court to contest the ruling, as our source is aware.
Popoola insisted in his affidavit that the only person permitted to wear a crown in Ibadan is Olubadan of Ibadan land.
He continued by saying that elevating any of the High Chiefs or members of the Olubadan in Council to the rank of Obas is not within the purview of Olubadan.
“Traditionally, it is believed that Ibadan only has one monarch, known as the Olubadan of Ibadan Land (the first defendant), and that all other chiefs serve as members of the Olubadan’s cabinet.
While the chiefs are recognized by their beads, only the Olubadan of Ibadan land is required to wear a crown.
Since the only king recognized by Ibadan land historically has been the Olubadan of Ibadan land, it is not within the purview of the first defendant (Olubadan) to elevate any of the High Chiefs or members of the Olubadan in Council to the status of His Royal Majesty.
The first defendant, according to the claimant, “had started plotting that if the claimant refused to be crowned, he would be denied of his status as Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land and that he would not be permitted to ascend the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan land when it is his turn,” after being informed that elevating any of the Olubadan in Council members or High Chiefs to the status of His Royal Majesty is not customary.
