Former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, is expected to return to Ibadan next week to participate in the traditional process leading to his expected coronation.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ladoja’s expected return follows the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The Olubadan-In-Council is set to commence the traditional process of installing the 44th Olubadan, with High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, expected to ascend the throne.
Naijaonpoint had reported that a 21-day mourning period began on Tuesday in honour of the late monarch, who passed away in the early hours of Monday after a brief illness at a private hospital in the Jericho area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A reliable palace source who spoke with Punch, confirmed that High Chief Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and next in line to the throne, is currently outside the state but is expected back in Ibadan next week.
The source said, “You know Oba Ladoja was not in town when the news of the late Olubadan was announced.
“However, Baba is coming back to Ibadan next week. Notable dignitaries have been calling to commiserate with him on the demise of the late Kabiyesi. He will be back to facilitate the traditional process.”
The next step in the succession tradition will see the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, currently the most senior chief on the Balogun line, formally nominate Ladoja as the new Olubadan. The nomination is expected to be seconded by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole.
This meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council is expected to be held at the recently completed Olubadan palace located in Oke-Aremo, within the Ibadan North Local Government Area.