The Olubadan of Ibadanland designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, Tuesday, met with the Ibadan kingmakers at his Ondo street, Old Bodija private residence in Ibadan.
It was learnt that the meeting held behind the closed door was attended by all the kingmakers in Ibadanland except the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was unavoidably absent.
The meeting which lasted for over two hours was the first of its kind since the arrival of Oba Ladoja to Ibadan since the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakukehin.
In a statement on the meeting, a media aide to Olubadan designate, Chief Adeola Oloko said the meeting took place between 11.25 am and 1.20pm at Oba Ladoja’s Ondo street, Bodija,Ibadan residence.
“The meeting was believed to have observed one minute silence in honour of late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7 when Oba Ladoja was not in Ibadan. It was their first meeting with Ladoja in the past two and a half months,” he said.
Chief Oloko added, “The delegation led by Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola later congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan. They told Oba Ladoja that the public expectation over him was very high,adding that they would continue to pray to God to give him unction to function. They later discussed issues concerning his coronation , especially as it affects cultural and ceremonial”
“They envisaged that an unprecedented crowd of people will be attending the coronation, and as such, we should get everything right.They informed Kabiyesi of their willingness to serve in whatever capacity he so wishes before,during and after coronation.”
Chief Oloko stressed, “The Olubadan-elect had appreciated the entire members of the council over their unanimous ratification of his candidacy as the next Olubadan, even though he was not at home. He promised them that as Olubadan, he would run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration their opinions.
“He solicited their support and co-operation in taking Ibadan to the next level. As for the coronation ceremony, he said the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders, like the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje have an important role to play in the coronation. He added that now that he is back home, they can now meet to discuss the coronation details with His Excellency, the Governor. It is after this is done that the date agreed upon would be announced.
‘But he assured the monarchs that the Olubadan-in-council would be carried along by him and whoever they nominate in the state Coronation Committee will be sent to the state for approval.”