By Ademola Adekusibe
September 26, 2025
The Balogun of Ibadan-designate, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has assured that the coronation of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, will be free of rancor, unlike the succession crisis that trailed the emergence of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Speaking in Ibadan, Ajibola recalled that the controversy during Oba Olakulehin’s ascension was not due to outright disagreement among the kingmakers, but because of uncertainty surrounding his health and absence from public view shortly after the burial of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun.
“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,” Ajibola explained.
He further recounted that as the Balogun-in-Council then, he personally stepped in to clear doubts over Oba Olakulehin’s health.
“When there was a difference, I was the one who went to Mapo to say that the man (Olakulehin) was hearty and nothing was wrong with him. The issue came to pass, and we moved on. But then, nobody heard about him or from him again for a long time. None of us could reach him,” he said.
Ajibola emphasized that the present situation with Oba Ladoja is markedly different. According to him, the Olubadan-designate immediately initiated open communication with the kingmakers after Olakulehin’s passing, ensuring transparency and unity within the council.
“So, there is no problem at all. No dispute. It’s destined, and the throne has been created by God,” he added.
He also noted that a potential point of contention, the issue of wearing the crown, had long been resolved, as Oba Ladoja had earlier accepted to take the crown in line with the amendment to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.
“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,” Ajibola said.
The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja will take place today in Ibadan, marking a historic moment for the ancient city and its traditional institution, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the process will be smooth and devoid of conflict.
