The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has attributed the persistent rivalry among Yoruba traditional rulers to the utterances and actions of their followers, rather than the monarchs themselves.
Speaking at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Thursday during a courtesy visit from the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife, Oba Ladoja decried the perceived supremacy tussle between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
I have always made it clear that neither the Ooni nor the Alaafin is responsible for the disunity we see. It is their supporters who, in trying to justify historical claims, end up fuelling discord. They forget that history is often subjective, Ladoja said.
He urged the Yoruba people to move beyond divisive debates rooted in history and instead focus on peace, unity, and the progress of Yorubaland.
According to him, The Alaafin cannot go to Ile-Ife to rule, just as the Ooni cannot rule in Oyo. Each monarch reigns in his own domain.
Drawing an analogy with international relations, Ladoja noted, The type of history their supporters reference is like Britain’s colonisation of America – a past that no longer defines the present. Today, if America sneezes, Britain catches a cold.
Reflecting on Ibadan’s historical role, the Olubadan-designate remarked: Without Ibadan’s influence, most Yoruba monarchs might have ended up bearing titles like ‘Emir’. But our concern now is not just preserving history, but modernising Ibadanland and building on the legacy of the old Ibadan Empire.
In response, Oba Francis Alao congratulated Oba Ladoja on his selection as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the development as a significant milestone for Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
