Oba Ladoja bars cash-for-title practice in Olubadan succession line

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that financial influence and monetary inducement will no longer determine entry into the Olubadan chieftaincy line.

Ladoja made this known on Friday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, during the conferment of the title of Jagun Olubadan on Mogaji Fajinmi, Chief Oladiran Alabi (Yeronbi).

The monarch said the decision was part of new reforms aimed at preserving the integrity of the traditional institution and ensuring that only credible individuals ascend the revered ladder.

“The offer of hundreds of millions of naira or influence-peddling by eligible applicants will no longer determine entry into the Olubadan line,” he said.

He added, “It is the new standard we have set, not for our own personal benefits but for generations yet unborn.”

Ladoja explained that prospective entrants into the Olubadan line, particularly at the Jagun level, which serves as the entry point, must now meet defined criteria including educational exposure, visible means of livelihood, and verifiable contributions to community development.

According to him, the Olubadan Advisory Council is in full support of the reform, noting that three different screening committees were set up to assess applications from interested Mogajis.

“We have resolved that once there is a vacancy for Jagun, interested Mogajis should apply with demonstrable and verifiable evidence of their contributions to grassroots development,” he said.

The monarch congratulated the new Jagun Olubadan, Alabi, for emerging successful among 102 applicants, describing his selection as well deserved.

“We will not like God to sanction us for refusing to give honour to whom it is due,” Ladoja added.
He, however, commended other applicants for their efforts in community development and urged them not to be discouraged, noting that only one slot was available.