Ibadan Monarch Redefines Royalty, Promotes Seven Senior Chiefs
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has issued a powerful message to newly promoted chiefs, emphasizing that traditional leadership must prioritize community service over ceremonial glamour. The monarch made this declaration during the promotion ceremony of seven senior chiefs in the Otun Olubadan line held in Ibadan on Friday.
Addressing the gathering of dignitaries from across Oyo State and beyond, Oba Ladoja stated unequivocally that the era of glamour in royalty is gone. He stressed that modern traditional leadership requires compassion, responsibility, and active commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
New Chiefs Charged with Community Transformation
"Now, royalty is about what you have to offer your community," the Olubadan told the newly elevated chiefs. "It is about ministering to the needs of the indigent in our midst. It is about ameliorating the condition of our people."
The monarch expressed confidence in the promoted chiefs, describing them as individuals of means and influence who are well-positioned to positively impact lives across Ibadanland. He charged all the newly elevated chiefs to justify their promotions through service, humility, and sustained commitment to improving the lives of Ibadan residents.
Prominent Figures Among Elevated Chiefs
The promotion ceremony saw seven distinguished individuals elevated to higher traditional ranks:
- Veteran journalist Oloye Lekan Alabi becomes the Abese Olubadan
- Senior Chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi now serves as Maye Olubadan
- Senior Chief Saka Fola Lapade assumes the position of Ekefa Olubadan
- Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, elevated to Agbaakin Olubadan
- Senior Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi becomes Aare Alaasa Olubadan
- Senior Chief Raufu Delesolu promoted to Ikolaba Olubadan
- Senior Chief Hammed Lanihun now serves as Asaaju Olubadan
Folarin Sees Promotion as Service Opportunity
Speaking at the event, newly promoted Teslim Folarin described his elevation by the Olubadan as an opportunity to serve the people more extensively. He also shared details about his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
"It is always a joyful day when chiefs get promoted or elevated," Folarin stated. "You know we have a very unique system in Ibadan that is rancour-free. I am happy everyone is happy."
Regarding his meeting with President Tinubu, Folarin revealed: "The meeting went very well. We brainstormed on how we could improve our results in Oyo State, and I told him that we have the capacity to do that. The goal is to improve our results."
He added that the political strategy involves going around to sell their messages, noting that "we are more experienced now" and that President Tinubu "understands the strategic nature of politics in Oyo State."
The event marked a significant moment in Ibadan's traditional leadership structure, with the Olubadan's emphasis on service-oriented royalty setting a new standard for traditional rulers across Nigeria.
