Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Sunday visited the Bodija residence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, ahead of his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The monarch’s arrival in Ibadan drew a colourful reception marked by drumming, singing, dancing and jubilant cheers from residents who trooped to Ladoja’s home to witness the meeting.
High chiefs, Baales, Mogajis, socio-cultural groups and members of the Olubadan-in-Council were also present.
Oba Ladoja, who will be installed on Friday, September 26, warmly received the Ooni before leading him into his parlour where the royal engagement was held.
The visit comes weeks after Oba Ladoja spoke publicly on the rivalry often associated with the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.
Ladoja attributed the supremacy feud to supporters of the monarchs, stressing that the rulers themselves were not responsible for disunity.
He said each monarch had defined territories and called for unity among traditional leaders and their subjects across Yorubaland.
Observers view Sunday’s visit by the Ooni as a symbolic step in line with Ladoja’s position that Yoruba traditional rulers should project peace and collective progress.
Oba Ladoja will be crowned at a grand ceremony at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, with President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries expected to attend.
The week-long programme of events includes an interdenominational service, a cultural fiesta, a lecture at the University of Ibadan and a praise concert marking the new monarch’s 81st birthday.
Security agencies have deployed over 2,000 operatives to maintain order during the celebrations.
