The members of the Olubadan-in-Council on Tuesday held their first meeting with the Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, since his return to Ibadan.
The two-hour closed-door meeting, which held at the Ondo Street, Bodija residence of Oba Ladoja between 11:25 a.m. and 1:20 p.m., featured prayers and a minute of silence in honour of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed on July 7.
The delegation, led by Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kola Adegbola, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 43rd Olubadan and assured him of their loyalty and support. They noted that public expectations of his reign are high and pledged to assist him in ensuring a befitting coronation.
In his remarks, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to the council for unanimously ratifying his candidacy in his absence. He promised to run a collective and inclusive administration, stressing that the opinions of the council members would be duly considered in decision-making.
On the forthcoming coronation, the Olubadan-elect disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside cultural stakeholders including the Araba and the Oluwo Afobaje, would play significant roles in the ceremony. He added that discussions with the governor would determine the official coronation date, assuring that the council would be fully carried along in the process.
The monarchs present at the meeting included Oba Kola Adegbola (Otun Balogun), Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada (Osi Balogun), Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi (Asipa Olubadan), Oba Abiodun Azeez (Asipa Balogun), Oba Hamidu Ajibade (Ekerin Olubadan), Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun), and High Chief Sharafadeen Alli (Ekarun Balogun), who gave the vote of thanks. The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, was absent but reportedly sent his apologies.
Several dignitaries also paid homage to Oba Ladoja, including former Minister Elder Wole Oyelese, APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections Senator Teslim Folarin, alongside prominent chiefs, businessmen, and community leaders
