Ibadan Obas Dare Critics, Ladoja Over Wearing Of Beaded Crowns
The new beaded crown monarchs said to have been controversially installed in Ibadan on Thursday dared their critics, including former governor of Oyo State and the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, saying that nobody can restrain them from wearing the crowns.
The monarchs who were installed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi declared that nobody could restrain them from wearing the crowns since they had appealed against the January 11, 2018 judgment which nullified the review of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law and their installation.
The Obas were installed on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at the ancient Mapo Hall, but one of the High Chiefs, (who declined being crowned), Senator Rasidi Ladoja recently accused some of the Obas of flouting the order of Justice Olajumoke Aiki as one of them wore the crown to Kano, venue of the wedding ceremony between Governor Ajimobi’s son and the Kano Governor’s daughter.
Ladoja had threatened to report the development to the court.
Speaking with journalists at the Oja’ba Palace Thursday where 16 of the Obas converged, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanand, a lawyer, said that what Ladoja said was inconsistent with the law because, “there was no declaration that we should not wear our crowns. We have appealed the judgment. I wore my crown to Kano and no policeman can arrest me because of that. The status quo remains since we have appealed the judgment. What Ladoja is in court over is mere ruse.
“The Olubadan of Ibadanland is our father. Ladoja is only fighting a war of vendetta. On December 5, 2005, Ladoja made a publication in the Tribune newspaper where he had appointed 47 Obas in Ibadanland. It was signed by Chief Ayodele Adigun on December 23, 2005. The fact that he was unable to carry it out but Governor Ajimobi was able to do it is what is paining him. Ajimobi meant well. We have been crowned and nobody can change that”, Ajibola said.
Buttressing the position, Oba Amidu Ajibade Salaudeen, the Ekarun Olubadan, said “We have been crowned and nobody can remove it. Why didn’t Ladoja implement what he had published? No governor has ever done so much as Ajimobi. Governor Jemibewon crowned Oba Adebimpe just as Ajimobi has done to us. Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Imperial Majesty, Olubadan of Ibadanland is our father and we appreciate that but whoever wants to destroy the peace of Ibadanland will not succeed.
“We appeal to Ladoja to please cooperate with our Governor for peace to reign”, he said.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Balogun Olubadan, in his remark added that, “Everywhere Ladoja is put, he always destroys it. He needs to go for spiritual cleansing because the curse inflicted on him by Late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu is what is still troubling him till today.
