The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, yesterday, insisted that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State lacks the power to crown the new Olubadan of Ibadan land.

He also dismissed insinuations that Governor Makinde deliberately delayed the coronation of a new Olubadan to target him.

Recall that Makinde had announced that he would crown the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin when he is medically fit.

Ladoja said this while speaking with journalists at his Ibadan residence during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The former governor maintained that there is a cordial relationship between him and Governor Makinde.

His words: “I am not the target of Governor Seyi Makinde. He is not delaying the coronation because of me. The governor sent a huge cow and many bags of rice to me for the Sallah. He had called to greet me for the festival.

“It is the people of Ibadan land who will crown the new Olubadan, and the governor’s role is only to present the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch.

“It is the Oluwo of Ibadan land who crowns a new Olubadan and not the governor. 

“The Olubadan will be crowned at lle Ose-Meji, from where he will  go to Mapo for the governor to present him the staff and instrument of office.”

On the health condition of the Olubadan-designate, Ladoja said: “To me, the new Olubadan is fit. He had been on the journey of becoming the Olubadan since 1983. The new Olubadan is fit, but only old.”