The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, says only God can determine a king’s lifespan amid concerns about the health of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Mr Ladoja, addressing journalists after Eid-el-Fitri prayer at his residence on Wednesday in Ibadan, said, “The comments of Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and others on the health status of Olubadan-designate are merely personal opinions which should be disregarded.

“All persons who have been speaking on Olubadan designate’s health are not medical personnel. Thereby, they lack merits to speak. Only God can determine lifespan, who to become king and how long a person will last on the throne.”

The former governor said a meeting to make a decision on issues concerning the Olubadan stool has been fixed for Friday.

He said the case he filed in court on issues per the Olubadan stool was to defend his right against the threat by some Ibadan high chiefs who collected the crown because he refused to join them.

He expressed his willingness to withdraw the case once they cooperate with him in the interest of peace in Ibadanland.

Mr Ladoja said if he eventually became Olubadan of Ibadan, he would not victimise any high chiefs.

“There are standing rules forbidding other persons to wear a crown in the Olubadan palace except Olubadan alone. The crowns collected by Ibadan high chiefs are just to enhance their prestige, which does not affect Olubadan tradition and process.

“They are free to wear their crown as they like but not in Olubadan’s palace because there cannot be two people wearing crown in Olubadan palace,” Mr Ladoja explained.

The former governor of Oyo said there was a need to revisit the reports of the 2014 National Conference, saying that the report had addressed many of the country’s current issues.

He urged Muslims not to stop all their good works after the Holy month of Ramadan and urged Nigerians not to relent in praying for their leaders at all levels for God’s guidance. 

(NAN)