Prominent indigenes of Ibadan, including a former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other elevated High Chiefs, have been given a six-day ultimatum. The directive emerged from a crucial meeting hosted at the Iwo Road residence of the former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bode Amao.
The meeting saw the participation of key figures such as Ladoja, who holds the title of Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade, among others. Notable attendees included Chief Amao, former CCII President; Chief Yemi Soladoye; Primate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Primate Sunday Ola Makinde; Chief Yekini Akande; and Mogaji of the Ibikunle family, Chief Abdulateef Adetokunbo Ademola.
The core of the disagreement revolves around the elevation of certain High Chiefs to the status of Obas, a move that has sparked considerable discord among the ranks, particularly with Ladoja, who has been vocal in his opposition. This contention has led to a palpable rift concerning the succession and governance of the Olubadan throne, a historical and cultural linchpin in Ibadan society.
During the meeting, both Ladoja and representatives of the High Chiefs presented their positions. According to sources, Ladoja has contested the distribution of crowns to the High Chiefs in court, deeming it an aberration and asserting his lack of personal dispute with any party involved. Conversely, the chiefs adorned with the controversial titles have expressed reluctance to relinquish their new status, urging Ladoja to withdraw his legal challenge.
An agreement was reached to provide a six-day window, starting from Wednesday, for the involved parties to reconcile their differences. The countdown aims to culminate in an expanded meeting on Monday, where a written agreement, including terms of reference, is expected to be finalized and endorsed
