Ladoja absent, as Olubadan crowns 10 Ibadan High Chiefs

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Ten out of eleven Ibadan high chiefs who were recently elevated to Obas have been installed and crowned as monarchs.

The coronation was held at the ancient Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Former Governor Rasidi Ladoja, who would have been the eleventh high chiefs to receive the crown was absent at the event.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state said that he was not the one, but the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun who presented crowns to the ten High Chiefs of the Olubadan-in-Council, who were recently upgraded to beaded crown-wearing Obas.

The event was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who was represented by the Onifegunwa of Ifegunwa, Oba Adedire Adewale; Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Alawaye of Awaye, Oba Amidu Okunlola, the Onipe of Ipe, Kwara State, Oba Muftau Lawal; Onjeru of Iperu, Oba Sunday Oyediran among other dignitaries.

Makinde said he was only at the event to present the instrument of office as expected of him as the governor as well as to observe the event as a guest.

The high chiefs who were crowned include Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chiefs Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun; Tajudeen Ajibola and Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole.

Makinde said the clarification became imperative in view of insinuations that he was the one who was behind the crowing of the obas.

He noted that, at a time he was against the crowning of some monarchs but that he had learnt better and seen things more clearly especially since the request was made by the Olubadan himself.

He added that those who may be considering legal options to challenge the coronation will end up in futility.