Ibadan family compound heads, otherwise called Mogajis, yesterday visited the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, seeking speedy coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the new Olubadan of Ibadan land.
The Mogajis visited Ladoja in his Bodija, Ibadan home to also express gratitude to him for always standing up to protect Ibadan custom and tradition.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, hailed Ladoja for his love and commitment to Ibadan cultural heritage.
He said there was no time they had cause to seek his assistance, even at very great inconvenience, that Ladoja didn’t render it.
Responding, the former governor said the coronation of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan was a matter of time.
Ladoja said he had undertaken to withdraw the suit he filed against the crowned high chiefs from court, to clear the way for Olakulehin’s enthronement.
He said the agreement prepared between him and the crown-wearing high chiefs is at the stage of signing, adding that when it is eventually brought to him, he will sign without delay.
He said part of the agreement includes assurance of not removing their crowns and denying them their rights and privileges if Ladoja becomes the Olubadan.
Ladoja said he was compelled to go to court when the crown-wearing high chiefs and kingmakers threatened not to appoint him as Olubadan if his turn to become monarch comes.
High Chief Ladoja said while he was not favourably disposed to desperation by any means, he did not like to treat threats from any quarter with kid gloves.
The former governor recalled that as Olubadan-designate, Oba Olakulehin had done the traditional knocking. This, he said, culminated in his appointment as the Olubadan-elect about three weeks ago, a development that had been communicated to the government.
