The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has attributed the lingering supremacy tussle between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to the actions of their supporters rather than the monarchs themselves.
Oba Ladoja, while receiving the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife on a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Thursday, decried the situation, urging the supporters of the two monarchs to channel their energies into the development of Yorubaland instead of “fanning the embers of discord.”
“I have always made people realise that neither the Ooni of Ife nor the Alaafin of Oyo is promoting disunity but their respective followers,” Oba Ladoja said.
“These are the people who are trying to justify history, having forgotten the fact that history, most times, can be subjective.
“Alaafin cannot go to Ile-Ife and rule over the people there, and vice versa. The Ooni of Ife also has his own territory where he operates.”
The Olubadan-designate likened the situation to colonial history, stressing that references being made by supporters were outdated.
“The kind of history their supporters are making reference to is like that of Britain colonising America. That was in the past. Today, if America sneezes, the entire Britain will catch cold,” he said.
On Ibadan’s place in Yoruba history, Oba Ladoja noted that without the influence of Ibadan, traditional titles in Yorubaland might have taken a different form.
“The position of Ibadan on this matter is well documented in history. Without the influence of Ibadan, the traditional title of the entire Obas in Yoruba land would have been ‘Emir’.
“We are not talking about Ibadan’s place in history now, but about modernising what is left of the former Ibadan Empire. We have commenced the process of modernisation, and all traditional rulers, including Baales and Mogajis, have critical roles to play.”
He further emphasised security and accountability within Ibadanland: “First and foremost, we must ensure adequate security. All Baales and Mogajis must have buildings in their respective domains.
“The era of diaspora Mogajis and Baales is over. If there is a breach of security in any community, the Baales and Mogajis will be held accountable.”
The Olubadan-designate also sought the support of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon to foster unity among Yoruba monarchs, saying Oba Alao’s experience would be invaluable.
In his remarks, Oba Francis Alao described Oba Ladoja’s ascension as historic, not only for Oyo State but for the entire country.
“We have made history today, not only in Oyo State but across Nigeria, with the ascension of the former governor and senator to the throne of Olubadan.
“His emergence is a blessing to the Oyo State Traditional Council. It is an added value for us to have a monarch with such wealth of experience,” Oba Alao said.
The Olugbon pledged his loyalty and support, highlighting the importance of cooperation among monarchs for state development.
“I have assured Baba of my support during our telephone conversation. Oba Ladoja, as an entrepreneur, will fast-track the socio-economic growth of the state.
With my consultation with other monarchs in the state, they have all agreed to work with him. Our roles as traditional rulers are advisory, not executive. By so doing, we will work with the government and stakeholders to develop our respective domains.
The development of our respective domains should be our priority because we are the closest to the people.”
In a related development, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, assured Oba Ladoja of the full backing of the Olubadan-in-Council.
Oba Ajibola, who was visiting the Olubadan-designate for the first time since his approval, stressed the need for collective support to ensure Oba Ladoja’s reign achieves its set developmental goals.
“What Oba Ladoja needs most now is the support of all stakeholders to achieve the development of Ibadanland,” he said.
Credit: Westernmirror.
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