Oluwatosin Enesi
The former governor made this disclosure while speaking with newsmen at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan residence on the occasion of this year’s Eld-El-Kabir.
He noted that it is the people of Ibadan land that will coronate the new Olubadan, adding that the governor is just to present staff and instrument of office to the new monarch.
It will be recalled that the governor had during the burial ceremony of 42nd Olubadan, late Oba Lekan Balogun, last week Saturday said that he would crown the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, when he is medically fit.
Reacting, Ladoja said it is the Oluwo of Ibadan land that crowns a new Olubadan and not governor.
“The Olubadan will be crowned at Ile Ose-Meji, from where he will go to Mapo for the governor to present him the staff and instrument of office.
“By the time the Olubadan is going to Mapo, he will have already been crowned by the Oluwo,” he said.
Speaking on the health condition of the Olubadan-elect, Ladoja said: “To me, the new Olubadan is fit. He had been on the journey of becoming the Olubadan since 1983. The new Olubadan is fit, but only old in age.”
Ladoja, however, maintained that he is not the target of the delay in crowning of the new Olubadan, saying that he enjoys cordial relationship with Makinde.
“I am not the target of Governor Seyi Makinde. He is not delaying the coronation because of me. He sent a very big cow and many bags of rice to me for the Sallah. He had called to greet me for the festival.
“It is only God that makes kings. I believe that by God’s grace the new Olubadan will soon be crowned,” he added.
Our Reporter
