Olubadan-designate Rasidi Ladoja credited Ibadan with shaping Yoruba monarchy, called for modernization, and urged unity among traditional rulers.
Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has said that Ibadan’s historical influence prevented Yoruba monarchs from being addressed as Emirs instead of Obas.
Ladoja made the remark on Thursday while receiving the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife during a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
“The position of Ibadan on this matter is well documented in history, without the influence of Ibadan, the traditional title of the entire Obas in Yoruba land would have been ‘Emir’,” he said.
He explained that Ibadan has commenced modernization of its traditional structures, noting that Baales and Mogajis must play active roles. On security, he warned, “The era of diaspora Mogajis and Baales is over in Ibadan. If there is a breach of security in any community, the Baales and Mogajis will be held accountable.”
On the supremacy feud between the Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo, he blamed their supporters for fueling division.