The Olubadan-Designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has attributed the persistent supremacy tussle among prominent Yoruba monarchs to the actions of their supporters, particularly those loyal to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
Speaking at his Bodija residence in Ibadan during a courtesy visit by the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao and his wife, Oba Ladoja lamented the situation, urging the supporters to focus their energy on driving development across Yorubaland rather than fueling discord.
He emphasized that the monarchs themselves are not at odds, but that their followers are distorting historical narratives to justify perceived hierarchies.
“I don’t believe either the Ooni of Ife or the Alaafin of Oyo is promoting division,” Ladoja said. “It’s their supporters who are trying to interpret history to suit certain narratives, forgetting that history is often subjective. The Alaafin cannot go to Ile-Ife and reign over the people there, just as the Ooni cannot rule in Oyo. Each king operates within his own domain.”
Drawing an analogy, he continued: “It’s like referencing how Britain once colonized America. That’s history. Today, if America sneezes, Britain catches a cold. History evolves. As for Ibadan, historical records show that without its influence, the traditional titles across Yoruba land might have become ‘Emir.’”
He stressed that the current focus should not be on Ibadan’s historical standing, but on modernizing what remains of the old Ibadan Empire.
“We’ve already started the process of modernizing Ibadan land,” he said. “All traditional rulers Baales and Mogajis have essential roles to play. First, we must ensure security. Every Baale and Mogaji must reside within their respective domains. The era of diaspora Baales and Mogajis is over. If any community experiences a security breach, the local Baale or Mogaji will be held responsible.”
On promoting unity among Yoruba monarchs, Ladoja appealed to the Olugbon: “I’m seeking the support of Oba Alao. His wealth of experience will be instrumental in this journey.”
In response, the Olugbon, Oba Francis Alao, hailed the emergence of Oba Ladoja as a historic moment not only for Oyo State but for Nigeria at large.
“The ascension of a former governor and senator to the Olubadan throne is a blessing,” he said. “Oba Ladoja brings immense value to the Oyo State Traditional Council. I assured him of my full support during our phone conversation. As an entrepreneur, he will drive socio-economic development in the state.”
Oba Alao added that other monarchs across the state have also expressed readiness to work with the new Olubadan.
“Our role as traditional rulers is advisory; we have no executive powers,” he said. “We must work with all levels of government and stakeholders to foster the development of our communities. We are closest to the people, and their welfare should be our priority.”
In a related development, the Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, also pledged the full support of the Olubadan-in-Council to Oba Ladoja.
During his first visit to the monarch since Ladoja’s approval as Olubadan-Designate, Oba Ajibola noted that stakeholder cooperation would be critical to achieving the developmental vision for Ibadan land.
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