Ibadan is a city of wondrous warriors. The warriors that founded the city and secured it such that the city was never conquered also laid the foundation of a near perfect chieftancy system. Ibadan is a cosmopolitan metropolis because the warriors who found the place as a blessed enclave to settle in were from different places across Yorubaland.
Ibadan is unique in many respects. The manner of the city’s chieftaincy tradition is par excellence. No other traditional system in the world beats Ibadan traditional system. It’s in Ibadan that every original compound can present a candidate for Olubadan throne, making it a republican city. It’s in Ibadan that there is a ladder to climb to become Olubadan. It’s in Ibadan that there’s a hierarchy of traditional chiefs – from Baálé to Baálẹ̀, to Mogaji, to junior chiefs, to senior chiefs, to, formerly, high chiefs but recently, beaded crown obas, then to Olubadan.
Another unsurpassed uniqueness that Ibadan just attained is the grand elevation of Olubadan throne from royal majesty to imperial majesty. This paved way for Ibadan to have 11 royal majesties who are the beaded crown obas, followed by senior chiefs, then junior chiefs. This new arrangement made possible by a recent amendment to Ibadan Chieftancy Declaration of 1957 places Olubadan on a higher stool. It means that Olubadan throne has grown beyond having a chief, high or low, elevated to ascend it. The stool has become one which next occupant must be a beaded crown obas! Olubadan is no longer in the league of first-class obas which next occupants are chiefs. Olubadan has become a primus inter pares among the league of first-class obas in Yorubaland; an imperial majesty of outstanding class.
Ibadan has engendered an innovation that has become a tradition that will endure. Again, no city in the world beats Ibadan in the dynamics of tradition and culture. Ibadan always comes out of controversies unscathed. It’s never consumed by rancours and conflicts.
Congratulations to His Royal Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland. His acceptance of the beaded crown and staff of office makes him the head of Ibadan royal majesties.
Kábíyèsí to the Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloyè, Ige-Olakuleyin 1. May his reign be fruitful!
©️ Maroof Asudemade
Isalẹ jẹbu
Ibadan
12th August, 2024
