A fresh legal tug-of-war might be brewing in the ancient city of Ìbàdàn over alleged plans to prevent the Ọ̀tún Olúbàdàn of Ìbàdànland, High Chief Ràshídì Adéwọ̀lú Ládọjà, from becoming the Olúbàdàn when the time comes.
As known by everyone, dead or alive, Ládọjà, a former Senator and Governor of the state from 2003 – 2007, is the most highest ranked Chief in Ìbàdàn as at today and the Civil Line, where he belongs is the line to produce the next Olúbàdàn.
A crisis erupted in Ibadan shortly after the demise of the 41st Olúbàdàn, Ọba Saliu Adetunji. It resurfaced following the death of the 42nd Olúbàdàn, Ọba Mohood Ọlálékan Ìṣọ̀lá Balógun, over who would become the next Olúbàdàn.
The crisis lasted for about three months and was resolved when the 43rd Olúbàdàn, Ọba Akinloyè Owólabí Olàkúlẹ́hìn, Ìgè Olàkúlẹ́hìn I, was finally coronated on Friday, 12th July 2024.
According to a Daily Post report, another crisis is currently brewing in Ìbàdàn over plans by the state government to prevent Ládọjà from becoming the next Olúbàdàn after Olàkúlẹ́hìn.
The plan to prevent Ládọjà from becoming Olúbàdàn was included in the newly reviewed Ìbàdàn Chieftaincy declaration issued by the Ọ̀yọ́ State Government under Governor Sèyí Mákindé in 2023.
Some details of the declaration were part of the programmes distributed during the coronation of Olàkúlẹ́hìn on Friday.
Section 4 of 1957 Olúbàdàn Chieftaincy Declaration stated that, “The person who may be proposed as candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olúbàdàn shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line”.
However, Section 4 of the new law, christened New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, stated that the phrase “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” has been replaced with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line”.
The section stated that, “The person who may be proposed as candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that line.”
Ládọjà is the only High Chief among the recognized kingmakers of Ìbàdànland who has refused to wear a beaded crown.
Given this new development, Ládọjà may be prevented from becoming Olúbàdàn.
The report mentioned that some individuals believe the newly publicized chieftaincy law, released on Friday, is an invitation to another crisis in the ancient city.
An indigene of Ibadan, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that Ladoja may likely go to court to challenge the new law.
“Have you seen the new law? This new development is an invitation to crisis. Ladoja is the target and you can see it. It is not fair. The former governor may likely go to court to challenge the new law.”
Another indigene, who also asked not to be named, noted that the people of Ibadan will reject the new law.
“How can they say Ladoja will not become Olubadan? Ladoja is the most senior High Chief. He is the last man standing. He rejected the beaded crown because it is an aberration. It is an aberration. The people of Ibadan will reject the new law. Someone who has been on the line over 30 years ago. It is another crisis yet to start.”
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