The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said that the often-reported rivalries among prominent Yoruba monarchs are largely caused by their followers and supporters, not by the traditional rulers themselves.
He made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence in Ibadan by the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife.
Addressing the perceived supremacy contest between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Oba Ladoja said such tensions are frequently exaggerated or instigated by loyalists who promote conflicting historical narratives.
“I have always maintained that neither the Ooni nor the Alaafin is the cause of disunity,” Ladoja stated.
“Their supporters, in trying to defend different historical accounts, end up creating unnecessary conflict. They forget that history can be subjective.”
He stressed the importance of shifting focus from historical disputes to unity and development among the Yoruba people.
“The Alaafin cannot leave Oyo to rule in Ile-Ife, just as the Ooni cannot leave Ile-Ife to rule in Oyo. Every monarch has his domain,” he said.
To illustrate his point, Oba Ladoja compared the situation to the colonial history between Britain and America, noting that while history may be relevant, it should not be used as a tool for division in modern times.
“The history their supporters refer to is like Britain colonising America — it belongs to the past. Today, if America sneezes, Britain catches a cold,” he remarked.
Oba Ladoja also highlighted the role of Ibadan in shaping Yoruba history and identity, stating that the city’s contributions to regional unity and resistance against external influence remain significant.
READ ALSO: Emergency rule in Rivers not a threat to democracy -Ladoja
“Without Ibadan’s role, many Yoruba monarchs might have ended up with titles such as ‘Emir’. Our priority now should be modernising Ibadanland and building on the legacy of the Ibadan Empire, not merely preserving history.”
In his remarks, Oba Francis Alao congratulated Oba Ladoja on his recent emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing it as a significant moment not only for Ibadan but also for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria.
Oba Ladoja is expected to be formally installed in the coming weeks, marking a new chapter in the leadership of Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa by landmass and a historic powerhouse in Yoruba political and military history.
