Ladoja to receive Ibadan beaded crown Monday

High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is set to receive the ceremonial beaded crown on Monday, August 12, 2024.

The event will be presided over by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the new Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

Ladoja's acceptance of the beaded crown marks a notable shift in his stance. Previously, he had rejected the beaded crown when other members of the Olubadan-in-Council were crowned by the late Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun.

This rejection led to legal battles and internal conflicts within the council. However, Ladoja recently announced his decision to accept the crown during a live radio program on Fresh FM 105.9, citing overwhelming pressure from both indigenes and non-indigenes of Ibadanland.

The beaded crown in Yoruba culture is a powerful symbol of kingship, signifying that the wearer can trace their ancestry to Oduduwa, the mythical founder of the sixteen original Yoruba kingdoms.

The crown, adorned with beaded faces, birds, and geometric patterns, serves not only as a mark of royalty but also as a spiritual shield, protecting the ruler and the onlookers from the intense spiritual energy associated with the king's gaze.

Ladoja's decision to accept the crown was influenced by various factors, including the recent amendments to the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which were passed and assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde.

These amendments required high chiefs to wear beaded crowns as part of the prerequisites for ascending the throne of Olubadan. Despite initial resistance and legal challenges, Ladoja ultimately decided to comply to avoid hindering his ambition to become the Olubadan.

The presentation of the beaded crown to Ladoja will take place during the inaugural meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council, presided over by Oba Olakulehin.

This event comes exactly a month after Oba Olakulehin's installation as the Olubadan. The ceremony is expected to be a momentous occasion, marking a new chapter in the history of Ibadanland's traditional leadership.