Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has stated that without the influence of Ibadan, Yoruba monarchs would have been bearing the title of Emir rather than Oba.

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

He stressed that history has well documented the pivotal role of Ibadan in shaping traditional leadership in Yorubaland, adding that the focus should now be on modernizing what remains of the former Ibadan Empire.

“The position of Ibadan on this matter is well documented in history, without the influence of Ibadan, the traditional title of the entire Obas in Yoruba land would have been ‘Emir’,” he said.

The monarch said Ibadan had already begun the process of modernization, noting that all traditional rulers, including Baales and Mogajis, have critical roles to play.

“We have commenced the process of the modernization of Ibadan land. All the traditional rulers including Baales and Mogajis have critical roles to play in this regard.”

On security, he stressed that Baales and Mogajis must reside within their respective domains and would henceforth be held accountable for any breach.

“The era of diaspora Mogajis and Baales is over in Ibadan. If there is a breach of security in any community, the Baales and Mogajis will be held accountable,” he warned.

Speaking on the supremacy battle between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Oba Ladoja blamed their supporters for fuelling the conflict.

According to him, “I have always made people realise that neither the Ooni of Ife nor the Alaafin of Oyo promotes disunity but their respective followers.

“These are the people who are trying to justify history having forgotten the fact that history most of the time can be subjective.

“Alaafin cannot go to Ile-Ife and rule over the people there, vis-à-vis Ooni of Ife. They have their different territories where they are operating.

“The kind of history their supporters are referring to is like that of the history of Britain colonizing America. That was in the past. Today, if America sneezes, the entire Britain will catch a cold.”

He also solicited the support of Oba Alao in strengthening unity among Yoruba monarchs.

“On the unity among the Obas in Yoruba land, I am soliciting the support of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Alao. His wealth of experience will assist in this regard.” (Nigerian Tribune)