The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said he was not prepared to ascend the throne, following the passing of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Speaking yesterday at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan home, where he was received by hundreds of family members, Baales, associates and well-wishers, Ladoja said the news of Olakulehin’s death came as a shock to him.
The Olubadan-elect, who had earlier visited his Isale-Osi family compound upon his return from Lagos, arrived at his Bodija home to the waiting hands of guests, friends and his cult-like followers and admirers.
Noting that he was shocked at the news, Ladoja said he had thought Oba Olakulehin would be on the throne for at least five to 10 years, ‘’but no one can alter destiny.’’
He said although the road to the throne was bumpy and rough, he remained grateful to God for sparing his life.
The Olubadan-elect was also full of appreciation to the members of the Olubadan-in-Council for electing him to ascend the stool, saying if they had not agreed and selected him, there was nothing he could have done about it.
Ladoja said: “I greet all of us here, good afternoon. I want to firstly condole with us on the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, may God rest his soul.
“When I heard of Kabiyesi’s (Oba Olakulehin’s) death, it was so painful to me because I told myself that I wasn’t ready. I thought he would reign for maybe five to 10 years, but the deed has been done.
“October 1, 1993 was when we started this journey and the particular house and compound where we started was where we went earlier today to offer prayers.
“When I got there, I still remember many of those who we were there together with on October 1, 1993 because I remember that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was there, he was President-elect at the time, Baba Adedibu was there, my father and mother were both there too, may their souls rest in peace.
“Governor Ishola, Dr Raheem, Jimoh Aliu, Adebayo Akala, Orisabunmi and my very close friend whom we were installed on the same day was also there, Adebimpe. He has also gone to the great beyond. Many of my friends, actors and actresses were there on that day.
“Then, I asked God why he spared my life. This means the task that God gave me has not been completed. And I know that God will give us power, wisdom, strength and knowledge that we will use to complete the task. I’m grateful to God for sparing my life.
“There is a saying that, it is only God who selects Oba for Ibadan. Wisdom can’t select, money can’t do it. It is only the person who God allows to wait until his time that will become the king and I thank God for counting me worthy to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“There are many coincidences, because I was born in 1944 and I am the 44th Olubadan, so I am thankful. I am also thankful to the high chiefs who approved that I should be the next Olubadan, because, if they didn’t agree and approved it, there is nothing I can do about it.
“But, all the 10 of them who were there at the meeting agreed that I should be the Olubadan. I am grateful to them and I want to assure them that our collaboration will not falter because all of us, God has assigned for different tasks.”
He said with his return to the ancient city, he would begin talks with stakeholders, including traditionalists, the governor and others on the processes for the enthronement.
“By the grace of God, they will give us the day we will be enthroned. Now that I have returned, myself and all those who we should be talking, we will talk, as in the traditionalists, including Araba, Oluwo, the governor and all those we are ruling together, we will talk so that we will know how to go about it.
“May this reign be comfortable and beneficial to us all. May there be money, wealth and peace in the town and for everyone.
“I thank all journalists, the journey to the throne is not smooth. It was rough with hills, bumps and other challenges, yet God took us to the promised land. We are thankful to God for this too,” he added.
The former governor called on the people to always support his reign with prayers, noting that achieving success could not be without the support from God.
“I want to appeal to everyone to support us with prayers because there is no one who knows how to do it, it is only God that is perfect and does all things well. Let God lead us on the right path so that we can do it well.
“The government of the day, may God lead them aright. At the federal, state and local levels, may God lead them all because when there is peace, this is when we will all have rest of mind. So I take this opportunity to remind us all that in all we will do, it is when there is peace, this is when there will be progress for the society.”
Earlier, the former governor had visited his family house at Isale-Osi in Ibadan Southwest Local Government where he was received by family members and friends.
He arrived in Ibadan at about 1:20pm to the waiting hands of his supporters at the Ibadan end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and led a long convoy of vehicles to the Isale-Osi family house.
His family members had organised special prayers both in Muslim and Christian ways, in appreciation of the journey of his ascendancy to the throne, which started in 1993.
With the development, it is expected that the installation process is set to begin after the nomination of Ladoja is assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde.
At press time, it could not be confirmed if the nomination letter earlier written by the Olubadan-in-Council, nominating Ladoja, had been delivered to the governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The Nation
