The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has attributed the persistent clashes among Yoruba monarchs to the influence of their followers rather than the rulers themselves.
Speaking on Thursday, the 11th of September, 2025, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan during a courtesy visit from the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, and his wife, Oba Ladoja clarified that the supposed rivalry between leading Yoruba thrones is often exaggerated.
He specifically downplayed the notion of competition between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
According to him, supporters misrepresent history and stir division.
“I have always maintained that neither the Ooni nor the Alaafin is the cause of disunity. Their supporters, in trying to defend different historical accounts, end up creating unnecessary conflict. They forget that history can be subjective,” Oba Ladoja said.
The Olubadan-designate advised the Yoruba nation to shift focus from disputes over history to promoting unity and growth.
“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 noted.
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Drawing an international comparison, he likened the issue to Britain’s relationship with America.
“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 added.
Turning to Ibadan’s role in Yoruba history, Oba Ladoja emphasized its significance.
“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,” he remarked.
On his part, Oba Francis Alao hailed Ladoja’s rise as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the moment as a landmark achievement for Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.