The Mogaji of Ile Onigba, Oloye Abayomi Gbadamosi, has described the first anniversary of Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland as a credible and significant milestone, expressing pride in the monarch and highlighting what he described as developments recorded across the ancient city during the first year of the reign.
Gbadamosi, who spoke in an interview during activities marking the first anniversary of Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the throne, also explained the relationship between the Mogaji institution and the Olubadan stool, noting that the traditional structure of Ibadanland requires anyone aspiring to become Olubadan to begin from the lower levels of the traditional hierarchy.
According to him, the office of the Mogaji remains an important starting point in the traditional progression towards the Olubadan throne. He explained that whoever eventually becomes the Olubadan must have passed through the Mogaji role, describing the traditional system as one that follows an established progression through the various stages of Ibadan’s chieftaincy institution.
Gbadamosi further drew an analogy between the Olubadan and a Mogaji within an individual family compound, explaining that the traditional system operates on continuity and succession. He likened Oba Ladoja to the Mogaji of his family compound, stressing that just as another Mogaji cannot emerge in a compound while the incumbent is still alive, the traditional institution also follows a similar principle of succession.
He said, “Whosoever wants to become Olubadan must first begin with the Mogaji role or office,” stressing the importance of understanding the traditional structure and progression that ultimately leads to the Olubadan stool.
Explaining further, he likened the current Olubadan to the Mogaji of a family compound, noting that succession takes place only when the occupant of the office passes on. “The current Olubadan of Ibadanland is like the Mogaji of his family compound, and until one dies, another Mogaji cannot emerge in every compound,” he explained.
Speaking about Oba Ladoja personally and his perception of the monarch as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Gbadamosi described him as a kind and generous man whose reputation among the people predates his ascension to the throne.
According to him, Oba Ladoja had earned the respect and admiration of many people even before becoming the Olubadan, adding that his eventual emergence as the traditional ruler was something many people had anticipated.
“Oba Ladoja is a kind man, a very generous man. Even before he became king, everyone had been looking forward to him becoming king,” Gbadamosi said.
He added that the people of Ibadan had reasons to be proud of the monarch, noting that although Oba Ladoja himself does not favour comparisons, those who know him remain proud of his emergence and his position as the Olubadan.
“As for us, we are very proud of him. Though he doesn’t like comparison, we are very proud of him,” he stated.
Gbadamosi also reflected on the activities organised to mark the first anniversary of Oba Ladoja’s reign, describing the celebration as a credible one and noting that the activities had provided an opportunity for the people to honour the monarch in different ways.
He disclosed that one of the activities was a football match organised in honour of the Olubadan, revealing that he personally participated in the match and served as the captain of the team.
“As for the first-year anniversary of Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadan, it is indeed a credible one. We just finished playing a football match for Baba, and I was even the captain of the match,” Gbadamosi said.
He explained that the sporting activity formed part of the broader celebration of the monarch’s first year on the throne and reflected the different ways through which members of the community had chosen to identify with and honour the Olubadan.
Beyond the anniversary activities, Gbadamosi said the first year of Oba Ladoja’s reign had also coincided with developments across different parts of Ibadanland. He maintained that there had been visible developments in various areas of the city during the period under review.
“During his first year that we are celebrating, there have been many developments everywhere in Ibadanland,” he said.
The Mogaji’s assessment of the first year of the reign therefore combined his understanding of Ibadan’s traditional succession system with his personal appreciation of Oba Ladoja’s character and his observations of activities and developments across the city.
For Gbadamosi, the anniversary represents more than the commemoration of twelve months on the throne. It is also an opportunity for the people of Ibadan to celebrate the institution of the Olubadan, recognise the place of the traditional hierarchy and express their support and pride in the monarch.
He further expressed confidence in the continued relevance of the Olubadan institution to the identity and development of Ibadanland, noting that the traditional system remains an important part of the social and cultural structure of the city.
As Ibadanland marked Oba Ladoja’s first year on the throne, Gbadamosi joined other traditional chiefs and residents in celebrating the monarch, describing him in personal terms as a kind and generous leader and expressing pride in his emergence as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
