The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has said the Olubadan stool carries heavier responsibilities than the governorship seat. He made this known on Monday while receiving the Oniru of Iru, Lagos State, Oba Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja explained that unlike governors who enjoy coercive powers, traditional rulers operate without such authority, yet attend to wide community expectations.
He noted that monarchs lack a clear funding structure, a situation that increases the weight of their duties.
According to him, traditional rulers deserve constitutional roles because of their closeness to the grassroots and the demands placed on them.
He said the expectations around the Olubadan stool are massive, adding that the palace has had to adopt creative approaches to meet the needs of the people.
“This is why we think outside the box in order not to let our people with very high expectations down,” he said.
The monarch also spoke fondly about his years in Lagos, especially Lagos Island, describing the experience as worthwhile.
Earlier, the Oniru extolled the virtues of the Olubadan and shared how fulfilling and challenging it feels for a former public office holder to serve as a king. Oba Lawal, a former Lagos commissioner, arrived with several chiefs and aides.
Those who joined the Olubadan to receive the Oniru include Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, and former Senate Leader, Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Teslim Folarin.
