Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, has decided to postpone his return to Ibadan until July 28, choosing to observe the full 21-day mourning period for the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7 after a brief illness.
Sources from the palace revealed that Ladoja’s absence is intentional, as he wishes to honour tradition and prevent premature celebrations in his presence. He reportedly instructed his chiefs, Oba Amidu Ajibade and Akeem Adewoyin, to reopen the Olubadan Palace to receive mourners on his behalf.
According to insiders, Oba Ladoja believes it’s inappropriate to mix mourning with celebration and prefers to rejoin the city once the mourning period concludes by the end of July. His media aide, Adeola Oloko, however, declined to confirm his exact return date.
