By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has revealed that he was not prepared to ascend the throne following the passing of the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Speaking on Monday at his Ondo Street, Bodija residence, 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 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 was going to be on the stool for at least five to ten years, but that no one can alter destiny.
He said although the road to the throne was bumpy and rough, he remains 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, adding that if they had not agreed and selected him, there is nothing he could have done about it.
Ladoja said, “I greet all of us here, good afternoon. And 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) death, it was so painful to me because I told myself that I wasn’t ready. I thought that he will reign for maybe five to ten years on the throne, but the deed has been done.
“October 1st, 1993 was when we started this journey and the particular house and compound that we started was where we went earlier to offer prayers today.
“When I got there, I still remember many of those who we were there together on October 1st, 1993 because I remembered that 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 soul 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 the day.
“Then, I asked God why he spared my life, that means that, the task that God gave me has not been completed. And I know that God will give us power, wisdom, strength, knowledge that we will complete the task. I’m grateful to God for sparing my life.
“There is a saying that, it is only God who select 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.
“And 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 approve it, there is nothing I can do about it.
“But, all the ten 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 flutter because all of us, God has assigned for different tasks.”
He said, with his return to the ancient city, he will begin talks with all relevant stakeholders including traditionalists, the governor and others on the processes for the enthronement.
“By the grace of God, they will give us the day that 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, peace in 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 promise land, we are thankful to God for this too”, he added.
The former governor also called on the people to always support his reign with prayers, noting that achieving success cannot 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. Both at the Federal, state and local level, may God lead them all because when there is peace, that is when we all will have rest of mind, so I use this opportunity to remind us all that in all we will do, it is when there is peace, that is when there will be progress for the society.”
Earlier, the former Governor had visited his family house at Isale-Osi in Ibadan South-West local government area where he was received by family members and friends.
He arrived Ibadan at about 1:20pm to the waiting hands of his supporter at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and led a long convoy o vehicles to the Isale-Osi family house
His family members had organized a 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 by Governor Seyi Makinde.
As at the time of this report, it could not be confirmed if the nomination letter earlier written by the Olubadan-in-Council, nominating Ladoja has been delivered to the Governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
