The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has postponed his return to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, until July 28, in honour of the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The decision, The PUNCH gathered is in strict observance of the traditional 21-day mourning period following the death of the revered monarch, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, at a private hospital in Jericho, Ibadan.
The official mourning began on Tuesday, July 8, in line with Ibadan’s long-standing traditional rites.
A palace source, who spoke with journalists, disclosed that Ladoja deliberately chose to stay away from Ibadan during the mourning period to avoid premature celebrations that could overshadow the solemnity of the time.
“Oba Ladoja will not come to Ibadan until after the 21 days of mourning are over — around July 27 or 28. He is strongly opposed to any form of rejoicing at this sensitive period,” the source said.
The source further explained that Ladoja believes that his presence in the city could draw crowds eager to congratulate him, an action he considers inappropriate while the traditional mourning is still ongoing.
“Ladoja strongly holds on to the biblical principle of mourning with those who mourn and celebrating with those who celebrate. He even scolded some people who tried to rejoice when the late 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, passed away before his burial,” the palace insider added.
In his absence, the Olubadan-designate has mandated the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, and the Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin, to ensure the Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo which was temporarily shut is reopened to receive sympathisers on his behalf.
When contacted, Ladoja’s media aide, Mr. Adeola Oloko, said he had no information on the exact date of the Olubadan-designate’s return, simply stating, “I don’t know when Baba Ladoja will be around.”
