Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has attributed the lingering supremacy feud between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to their supporters rather than the monarchs themselves.
Speaking on Thursday at his Bodija residence, Ibadan, while receiving the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife on a courtesy visit, Oba Ladoja cautioned followers against fueling disunity.
According to him, both Ooni and Alaafin have never promoted discord, but their supporters often fan the embers of rivalry in an attempt to justify historical narratives.
“Neither the Ooni of Ife nor the Alaafin of Oyo promotes disunity; it is their respective followers,” he stressed.
“The kind of history they refer to is like that of Britain colonizing America—something of the past. Today, America is stronger than Britain. Alaafin cannot rule in Ife, nor can Ooni rule in Oyo; they both have their territories.”
He further noted Ibadan’s central role in Yoruba history, warning against misinterpretation of traditions while emphasizing the need for modernization.
The Olubadan-designate also charged Baales and Mogajis to take responsibility for security in their communities, stressing that the era of absentee traditional leaders was over.
“If there is a breach of security in any community, the Baales and Mogajis will be held accountable,” he warned.
On Yoruba unity, Ladoja solicited the support of Oba Alao, noting that his experience would be valuable in strengthening cooperation among traditional rulers.
In his remarks, Oba Alao hailed the ascension of Oba Ladoja as historic, describing him as a blessing to the Oyo State Traditional Council.
> “The emergence of Oba Ladoja is an added value to us. His wealth of experience as a former governor and senator will fast-track socio-economic growth,” Olugbon said, assuring him of support from fellow monarchs.
Similarly, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, pledged the backing of the entire Olubadan-in-Council, emphasizing that collective support from stakeholders was crucial for Ladoja’s success.
