Beaded-crown Obas Saga: Olubadan, Ladoja Shun Sallah Praying Ground
The cold war between the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja over the coronation of 21 additional beaded-crown Obas on Friday took a frightening dimension as the monarch failed to attend the annual prayer at Agodi praying ground.
For the first time since becoming the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji was absent at the central prayer ground where the Eid congregational prayers which was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul-Ganiy Agbotomokekere held.
Ajimobi, the Olubadan and other prominent Muslims in Ibadan use the Agodi Eid praying ground every year during Sallah celebrations.
The monarch, according to sources, was said to have observed the prayers at the Akuro Central Mosque, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, in company of some Mogajis (family heads).
Ladoja on his part joined other Muslims to offer the Eid prayers at the University of Ibadan Mosque Prayer ground.
The former governor had performed prayers with other prominent Muslims during special occasions at the same venue in the last four years.
It would be recalled that some Mogajis (family heads) under the aegis of the Authentic Ibadan Mogajis had advised the Olubadan not to attend the Sallah prayer with the Governor at the Agodi praying ground for safety reason.
The family heads said it was vital to think ahead because of the tension being generated by the installment of the 21 new kings by Ajimobi.
Meanwhile, as the controversy over the non acceptance of the beaded-crown Obaship conferred on a former governor continues, Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi has said that he cannot stop the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja from becoming an Olubadan and that he will not attempt to do so.
Ajimobi, who prayed that the former governor becomes an Olubadan, however added that no one can stop him if God has destined it to be.
While describing the Olubadan as his father, Ajimobi reiterated that he would never do anything that would be against the person and office of the Olubadan but accused some individuals of using political intents to meddle between himself and the royal father.
Ajimobi, who noted that he is sure people will understand better in the nearest future, what his government is doing, stressed that he is not reforming the chieftaincy laws so as to become an Olubadan because he will never be one, since it is only God who destines those who would become Olubadan and also makes them same.
