The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will today present the ceremonial beaded crown to the former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
The event, scheduled for the Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo in Ibadan, will see Otun Olubadan joining fellow kingmakers as a beaded-crown-wearing monarch in Ibadan.
It was reports that Ladoja had publicly announced to accept the crown at a live radio programme in Ibadan.
Since the penultimate Sunday when Ladoja consented to accept the crown, his Bodija private residence has become a Mecca of sorts, with streams of visitors calling to encourage and congratulate him.
Notable among those who visited him were Governor Seyi Makinde; the Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amao; former President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Wole Akinwande, Yemisi Adeaga and the current President General, Niyi Ajewole.
Others were the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Akinola, the state Babaloja General, Chief Yekini Abass, Baales, Ibadan Mogajis led by Chief Asimiyu Ariori, market men and women.
On Sunday, former minister, Musiliu Obanikoro; Chief Mutiu Aare, members of Omo Ajorosun Club led by Sunday Gbenjo and members of Borokinni Club, home and diaspora, led by Sheikh Lukman Asukuna visited Ladoja in solidarity.
A credible palace source who spoke with our correspondent said, “It is a major step in fulfilling the extant laws of the state as it affects the Olubadan Declaration and ascendancy.
“The letter to this effect, which was signed by Olubadan himself, was believed to have been conveyed to High Chief Ladoja at the weekend.
“The Olubadan-in-Council meeting where the beaded crown will be presented is the inaugural meeting of the highest decision-making body of the Ibadan chieftaincy system since the assumption of the new Olubadan on July 12.
“The Olubadan is the prescribed and consenting authority of all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland.”
It was further gathered that all plans for the presentation of the beaded crown to Ladoja had been finalised with the Oluwo Afobaje of Ibadanland, who is expected to bless the crown before it is presented.
“Also, the acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, may be on hand to present the staff of office and address. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, is also being expected,” the source added.
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