Former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, will be honored with a beaded crown by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday, August 12.
The ceremony will take place during the inaugural meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council at the new Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, beginning at 12:00 noon.
Ladoja, who holds the title of Otun Olubadan, confirmed the upcoming event and the presentation of the crown, which will officially recognise his status. The confirmation came following a letter he received on Friday evening.
A source close to the Olubadan’s palace shared, “He received the letter on Friday evening informing him that the beaded crown, befitting his status as Otun Olubadan, will be presented at the inaugural meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council presided over by Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Monday, August 12, at the new Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan. The meeting is set to begin at 12:00 noon.”
Ladoja had previously rejected the beaded crown when it was offered by the late Oba Lekan Balogun to other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, which led to a legal dispute with the Oyo State government and the Olubadan-in-Council. This issue has since been resolved.
Despite earlier controversies, Ladoja recently announced his acceptance of the beaded crown during a radio interview. He stated that his decision to accept the crown was made without any animosity towards other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, whom he regards as friends.
Ladoja’s decision reflects a resolution of previous disagreements and aligns with the new requirements for ascending the Olubadan throne.