Royalty No Longer for Glamour but a Call to Service — Olubadan Ladoja

…As Oba Ladoja charges promoted chiefs to serve the poor and strengthen the community.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has declared that royalty in modern times is no longer about glamour or prestige but a responsibility to serve and uplift the people.

The monarch stated this on Friday during the elevation ceremony of senior chiefs on the Otun Olubadan line, held at the Olubadan Palace, Oje-Aremo, Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja emphasized that chieftaincy titles should not be treated as opportunities for wealth acquisition or oppression of the less privileged, but rather as platforms to make meaningful contributions to society.

“Royalty today is about what you have to offer your community. It is about ministering to the needs of the indigent and improving the condition of our people,” the Olubadan said.

He noted that the newly elevated chiefs are individuals of substance and integrity who possess the capacity to positively impact lives within Ibadanland.

Those promoted include veteran journalist Oloye Lekan Alabi, who is now the Abese Olubadan; Senior Chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, Maye Olubadan; and Senior Chief Saka Fola Lapade, the new Ekefa Olubadan.

Former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin was installed as Agbaakin Olubadan, while Senior Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi became Aare Alaasa Olubadan. Others promoted include Senior Chief Raufu Delesolu as Ikolaba Olubadan, and Senior Chief Hammed Lanihun as Asaaju Olubadan.

The ceremony attracted dignitaries from various sectors, who gathered to celebrate the newly elevated chiefs and the Olubadan’s message of leadership through service.