Ladoja Appeals to High Chiefs to Return to Palace, Says Ibadanland is Greater Than All

By Abiodun Ogunrinde, Ibadan

The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who himself is also a member of the Olubadan–in- council, has dissociated himself from the statement credited to some members of the council installed as Obas by outgoing Governor, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.

Two days ago, these members of Olubadan-in-council said in their released statement that Kabiyesi Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, the Olubadan of Ibadanland has been taking decisions on matters that concern Ibadanland alongside his Olori without recourse to the Olubadan – in – council which they claimed to be members.

In a statement dissociating him by his media assistant, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo said that, the High Chiefs were being economical with the truth knowing fully well that they were on several occasions invited to attend meetings in the palace but refused to do so.

It is on record that several invitations were sent to them to attend Olubadan – in – council meetings at the Popoyemoja Palace of the referred Olubadan of which they never attended. In those letters of invitations, they were addressed with their titles e.g. Otun Olubadan, Balogun etc.

Unfortunately, since their installations as “Obas” they have been referring to themselves as ‘Obas-in-council’ and not as members of Olubadan-in-council, holding their meetings in Mapo Hall refusing to come to the Olubadan palace.

The Osi Olubadan therefore appealed to his colleagues to please shelve their swords and allow peace to reign in Ibadanland.

According to him, Ibadanland is greater than anybody no matter how highly placed.

He observed that everybody has his/her roles of contributing to either promote or demote the status of Olubadan will become history even to those yet unborn. To him, the Olubadan, Oba Adetunji sees all
members of the council as his sons and daughters.

“What is paramount in the mind of the Monarch is how to move Ibadanland to the greater heights, which he is expecting the co-operation of all members of the Olubadan-in- council”.