The Olubadan Advisory Council has dismissed the allegations made by the former governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, regarding the elevation of high chiefs to the status of Obas.
The council described Ladoja’s claims as unfounded and erroneous.
Ladoja had filed a suit at the High Court in Ibadan challenging the recent elevation of his fellow high chiefs to beaded crown-wearing Obas, alleging that it was a plot to prevent him from becoming Olubadan in the future.
At an emergency meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council presided over by Oba Lekan Balogun, all the newly crowned Royal Majesties, except two, were in attendance.
During the meeting, Ladoja was criticized for his futuristic claim, which was described as lies in the belly of time.
The new Obas, in a press statement issued by the Personal Assistant (Media) to Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, took turns to educate Ladoja that the nomination of the Olubadan is the prerogative of the Ibadan Kingmakers, comprising members of the Advisory Council from Ekerin upward.
The new Obas reminded Ladoja that ascending the throne of Olubadan is not automatic and that the Kingmakers reserve the right to nominate or not nominate him when the time comes.
They emphasized that even if it were his turn, no Jupiter could make him the Olubadan without the nomination by the Kingmakers.
They dismissed Ladoja’s accusation against the current Olubadan as baseless and urged him to reflect on his own position.
They asserted that one person cannot stand against ten others and expressed their readiness to meet him in court as he had already initiated legal proceedings.
The new Obas expressed their gratitude to Oba Balogun for the historical feat of their coronation and congratulated him for bringing another first to the Olubadan throne.
They also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his role in making the elevation possible, recognizing him as a reformer whose name would go down in history.
The new Obas clarified that not all of them currently on the Olubadan Advisory Council would become Olubadan, and they were satisfied with their elevation, bringing joy to their respective families.
They viewed the possibility of any of them becoming Olubadan in the future as the icing on the cake.
Following the coronation of the high chiefs, the Otun Olubadan refused to participate and approached the court, challenging the Olubadan, the ten crowned Obas, the state governor, and the state Attorney-General.
In attendance at the emergency meeting were Obas Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadanland), Eddy Oyewole (Osi Olubadan), Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe (Osi Balogun), Kolawole Adegbola (Ashipa Balogun), and Hamidu Ajibade (Ekerin Olubadan). Others present were Obas Olubunmi Isioye, Adebayo Akande, and Abiodun Dauda Azeez, holding the positions of Ekerin Balogun, Ekarun Olubadan, and Ekarun Balogun, respectively.
CHANNELS TV
