Olubadan-Designate, Ladoja Attributes Yoruba Kingship Rivalry to Overzealous Supporters

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has attributed the recurring tensions and perceived rivalries among Yoruba monarchs to the actions of their supporters rather than the traditional rulers themselves.

Oba Ladoja made this known on Thursday at his Bodija residence in Ibadan during a courtesy visit by the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife.

Addressing longstanding perceptions of a supremacy contest between prominent monarchs such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Ladoja said the real discord stems from followers who invoke differing historical accounts to stoke division.

“I have always maintained that neither the Ooni nor the Alaafin is responsible for any disunity,” he said. “It is their supporters, in trying to defend various historical narratives, who end up creating unnecessary conflict. They forget that history can be subjective.”

The Olubadan-designate emphasized the importance of unity and progress, urging the Yoruba people to move beyond divisive debates over the past.

“The Alaafin cannot leave Oyo to rule in Ile-Ife, just as the Ooni cannot leave Ile-Ife to rule in Oyo. Every monarch has his own domain,” he added.

Drawing an international comparison, Oba Ladoja likened the situation to the historical relationship between Britain and America, noting that while colonial history remains significant, modern realities demand a shift in focus.

“The historical arguments are like Britain colonising America — it’s in the past. Today, if America sneezes, Britain catches a cold,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the role of Ibadan in Yoruba history, he noted that the city had played a crucial part in resisting external domination.

“Without Ibadan’s influence, many Yoruba monarchs might have ended up with titles like ‘Emir’. Our goal now should be to modernise Ibadanland and build on the legacy of the Ibadan Empire, not merely preserve history,” he said.

In his remarks, Oba Francis Alao congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, calling it a significant milestone for the city, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.