Oba Ladoja Delays Return to Ibadan in Honour of Late Olubadan’s Mourning Period
Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, has chosen to remain away from Ibadan until July 28 as a mark of respect for the traditional 21-day mourning period following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin died on Monday, July 7, after a brief illness at a private hospital in Jericho, Ibadan. In line with long-standing Ibadan customs, official mourning began on Tuesday, July 8.
A source within the Olubadan-in-Council revealed that Oba Ladoja’s absence was intentional, aimed at maintaining the solemnity of the moment and preventing any atmosphere of premature celebration.
“He’s deeply committed to observing the full mourning period. If he were in Ibadan right now, people might begin to gather around him in celebration, which would be inappropriate,” the source explained.
In his absence, Oba Ladoja has directed two senior chiefs—Oba Amidu Ajibade (Ekerin Olubadan) and Oba Akeem Adewoyin (Ekerin Balogun)—to reopen the Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo. The palace had been temporarily closed following the late monarch’s death and will now receive sympathisers on Ladoja’s behalf.
The insider added that Oba Ladoja was adamant about maintaining a tone of reflection, recalling how he once scolded well-wishers who had begun to rejoice even before the burial of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
Aide to the former Oyo State governor, Adeola Oloko, declined to confirm the monarch-designate’s exact return date, stating, “I don’t know when Baba Ladoja will be around.”
