The nominated 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has stated that the death of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, pained him because he was not ready for kingship.

Naijaonpoint reports that Ladoja disclosed this on Monday, while addressing journalists at his Ondo Street private residence in Ibadan.

Ladoja, who said he began his journey to the exalted stool of Olubadan from his Family compound on October 1, 1993, expressed appreciation to God for sparing his life.

According to him, he would soon be crowned, now that he has returned to his ancestral hometown, Ibadan.

He said, “I was out of the town when the late monarch joined his ancestors. May God grant him eternal rest. When I learnt that he died, I was so sad, and it pained me so much because I was telling myself that I’m not ready for the kingship. I thought the late monarch, Oba Olakulehin, would spend or reign for up to five to ten years.

“But we thank God for sparing our lives. I started this journey on October 1, 1993. So, I went to pray where I started the journey. When I got there, I still remember many of those who were on the ground then. MKO Abiola came, he was the President-elect.

“Many of my friends who were there when I started this journey are no more. May God grant them eternal rest. This means I’ve not implemented or completed the work God wanted me to do. May God give us wisdom, long life and peace of mind to implement it.

“I also thank God for counting me worthy to be the next Olubadan of Ibadanland. I also thank the Olubadan-In-Council for nominating and approving me to become Olubadan. If they didn’t approve it, what would I do?

“By His grace, very soon the government will announce the day we will be crowned now that I’m back. Those whom we are supposed to be talking to, we will be talking to. Oluwo, Araba, and Governor Seyi Makinde, we will all be talking. I pray for peace in this land, there won’t be sufferness again in this town.”

Ladoja also, during his visit to his Family compound in Isale-Osi, in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state, warned all the miscreants in Ibadanland to be agents of peace or vacate the ancient city completely.