I wasn’t ready for throne, expected Olakulehin to reign longer – Ladoja
The nominated 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has admitted he was not prepared to ascend the throne so soon, saying he had expected his predecessor, the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, to reign for many more years.
Ladoja, who made his first public appearance on Monday since Olakulehin joined his ancestors on July 7, 2025, spoke at his Ondo Street residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
“I was out of town when the late monarch joined his ancestors. May God grant him eternal rest. When I learnt that he died, I was so sad, and it pained me so much because I was telling myself that I’m not ready for the kingship. I thought the late monarch, Oba Olakulehin, would spend or reign for up to five to 10 years,” Ladoja said.
The former governor, however, expressed gratitude to God and to the Olubadan-in-Council for nominating and approving him to become the next Olubadan.
“By His grace, very soon the government will announce the day we will be crowned now that I’m back. Those who we are supposed to be talking, we will be talking — Oluwo, Araba, and Governor Seyi Makinde. I pray for peace in this land, there won’t be suffering again in this town,” he added.
Earlier, at his family compound in Isale-Osi, Ladoja had offered prayers and retraced his journey to the throne which began in 1993, recalling how the late Chief MKO Abiola was present when he first stepped into the line of succession.
“Many of my friends who were there when I started this journey are no more. May God grant them eternal rest. This means I’ve not completed the work God wanted me to do. May God give us wisdom, long life, and peace of mind to implement it,” he said.
He also warned miscreants disturbing the peace in Ibadan, especially in areas like Born-Photo, Asaka, and Foko, to desist or leave the city entirely.
“Ibadan must remain peaceful for development to thrive. I will not condone thuggery and other social vices in the city,” he declared.
Flanked by his wives, Ladoja later rode in a motorcade from Isale-Osi through Oja-Oba, Beere, Oje, and Gate to his Bodija residence, where hundreds of supporters welcomed him home.
