
The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has postponed his return to Ibadan, Oyo State, until July 28, following the commencement of the 21-day mourning for the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Oba Olakulehin passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, after a brief illness at a private hospital in Jericho, Ibadan. In line with Ibadan’s long-standing tradition, the mourning period began on Tuesday, July 8.
A palace source disclosed to The Punch that Oba Ladoja remains resolute in observing the customary mourning period, choosing not to return until its completion.
According to the source, “Oba Ladoja has decided not to return to Ibadan until after the 21-day mourning — between July 27 and 28. He believes his presence might prompt premature celebrations, which would be inappropriate at this time.”
The Olubadan-designate reportedly directed the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, and Ekerin Balogun, Akeem Adewoyin, to reopen the temporarily closed Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo for sympathisers to pay their respects on his behalf.
“Oba Ladoja is a firm believer in mourning with those who mourn and rejoicing with those who rejoice,” the source added. “He was displeased when some individuals celebrated before the burial of the late 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.”
When contacted, Oba Ladoja’s media aide, Mr Adeola Oloko, declined to confirm the exact date of his principal’s return, saying, “I do not know when Baba Ladoja will be around.”