Former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Ladoja, has finally received the ceremonial beaded crown, paving the way for him to succeed the current Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin .
Ladoja was crowned on Monday by Oba Olakulehin and was presented with the staff and instrument of office by the acting Governor, Bayo Lawal.
The ceremony held at the Olubadan’s palace was graced by the acting Governor and other government officials.
Ladoja who had once rejected his elevation to the status of a monarch unlike other members of Olubadan-In Council, expressed his change of mind recently while appearing on a radio programme of Fresh FM in Ibadan.
Ladoja said” “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.
“Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way.
“I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland.
“Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan.
“I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan.
“We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.
“It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”
