The Balogun of Ibadan-designate, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has explained why the coronation of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be smooth and devoid of rancour.
Speaking with Punch on Thursday, Ajibola noted that the circumstances surrounding Ladoja’s ascension to the throne had united the kingmakers, unlike the disagreements that trailed the emergence of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Ajibola, who was Otun Balogun during Oba Olakulehin’s selection, recalled that he had opposed the process then, insisting that the late monarch should be given more time to be fit for the throne.
“After the passage of Oba Lekan Balogun, the next in line, Oba Olakulehin, was not seen. His whereabouts were not confirmed and his health status could not be ascertained. That was my concern at the time,” Ajibola said.
He explained that his position was countered by Oba Ladoja, who maintained that only a medical doctor could declare anyone fit or unfit for the throne.
The Balogun-designate stressed that the absence of disputes this time around was due to transparent conditions that left no room for contention.
He said, “You see, the other time, during the emergence of Oba Olakulehin, what happened was just by coincidence. It was not that we disagreed. What we were saying was that it was too early, because Lekan Balogun had just been buried; he had not even gone properly. That’s why we had differences.
“And the position I was in then was a similar position our present Imperial Majesty was in at the time. When there was a difference, I was the one who went to Mapo to clear it, to say that the man (Olakulehin) was hearty and nothing was wrong with him. The issue came to pass, and we moved on.
“Then, nobody heard about him or from him. None of us could reach him for a long time.
“However, after Oba Olakulehin passed, Oba Ladoja immediately initiated open communication with the kingmakers, ensuring everyone was informed and aligned.
“So, there is no problem at all. No dispute. It’s destined, and the throne has been created by God.”
Oba Ajibola also noted that what would have been another obstacle was the issue of the crown, adding that Oba Ladoja had sorted that out a long time ago, as he agreed to take the crown in line with the amendment to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.
He further stated, “So why would we continue to fight ourselves? We know it’s his turn, and after him, we know the next person, and the next, and the next.
“So, we thank God that He has made Ibadan peaceful. We will continue to celebrate.
“No complaints. Everybody is happy with the type of man coming to become Olubadan.”
The Balogun-designate, who is at the apex of the Balogun ruling line chieftaincy, lauded Ladoja’s political experience, adding that Ibadan would be great under his leadership.
Ajibola said, “If he can combine his political experience with traditional leadership and join hands with the people, Ibadan will be great.
“I’m very happy, Ibadan people are very happy, and the whole world is happy that the throne has clear lines and is well prepared.
“I celebrate and congratulate our Imperial Majesty, Oba Ladoja. So, no problem.”
Oba Ajibola further stated that Ladoja’s emergence was destined by God to happen.
“What I’m trying to say is that there is a foundation for everything. Everything is possible before God. What God has destined to happen, it will definitely happen,” he said.
Speaking on the uniqueness of Olubadan stool, Oba Ajibola said, “You know Ibadan is a very big city, it is like a country, a kingdom on its own, we are very lucky that we don’t have dispute, we don’t have to look for Ifa oracle to know who is next, because there are only two lines to become the Olubadan. There used to be three lines, but there are two now, which are the Otun line and the Balogun line.
“The line that has just passed was Balogun’s line, so it’s Otun’s line now. That’s very clear.”
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