I will become Olubadan — Ex-Oyo gov, Ladoja

Former Oyo State Governor, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja has calmed the frayed nerves of his supporters, assuring them of his resolve to become the next Olubadan of Ibadan.

Speaking on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on Fresh FM in Ibadan on Sunday, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland expressed gratitude to God for His mercy and maintained that he is in sound health to lead the people now that his blood pressure is stable.

Ladoja reiterated his intention to become a beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland, as stipulated by his status in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, pointing out that various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time came.

“By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.

“Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan, no matter the obstacles placed in their way.

I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland. Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan.

“I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.

“It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want,” Ladoja said in Yoruba.

Ladoja is regarded as the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line to become Olubadan.

It would be recalled that the Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section