The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and a former governor of Oyo State, High Chief (Sen.) Rashidi Ladoja, has advised sons, daughters and residents of Ibadan to take what Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola said like a pinch of salt as he cannot be taken seriously.
The highest ranked Chief in the ancient city said Ajibola cannot stop the Olubadan-designate, Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, from becoming the Olubadan, while addressing newsmen at his Ondo Street, Ibadan, residence shortly after he observed the Eid el-Fitri prayer along with other Muslim faithful on Wednesday.
He was making reference to a statement credited to the Otun Balogun claiming the Olubadan-designate is unfit for the role he is expected to play.
However, Ladoja said Ajibola is entitled to his opinion but posseses no power to stop Olakulehin from ascending the throne.
“He is entitled to his opinion. I know him as a lawyer, not a medical doctor. So, he cannot say that Olakulehin is not fit to become Olubadan. You know that Osi Balogun has already declared Olakulehin fit for the position, so who do we believe? We cannot listen to him. People should not take him seriously.
“Ajibola is not a 20-year-old man; he is not a 30 or 40-year-old man; he is above 80 years old, so we can expect him to act like a youth. Ajibola can be substituted to nominate Olubadan if he does not come to the meeting.
“I have already slated a meeting for Friday because tomorrow is a public holiday; if he does not come, he can be substituted,” Ladoja stated.
Earlier today, a member of the Olakulehin family countered Ajibola’s claim over the health of their patriarch, the Olubadan-in-waiting, saying the Otun Balogun is only interested in getting Olakulehin out of the line so as to mount the saddle.
The Olubadan law provides for the next person on the line that is to produce the King to take over if the designate passes on or is incapacitated.
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