The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, has taken a commendable step towards resolving the longstanding Onido stool crisis in Ido township, in Ido Local Government, Oyo State. The dispute, which has lingered for 19 years, has seen three individuals—Oba Benjamin Ademola Ishola Orobiyi, Tajudeen Akinola and Muritala Babalola—claiming authority over the traditional leadership. This incident has led to division and instability in the community.
Oba Ladoja’s decision to set up a panel to investigate the causes of the crisis and make recommendations for its resolution is a welcome development. The panel, scheduled to be inaugurated on January 12, 2026, will investigate the remote and immediate causes of the dispute and offer guidance to the Olubadan and his Council to permanently resolve the issue.
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As the prescribed and consenting authority on all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja’s intervention is timely and necessary. The people of Ido have been yearning for peace and stability, and this move is a step in the right direction.
Traditional leaders are instrumental in resolving communal disputes in Nigeria, leveraging their influence and respect to facilitate dialogue, mediation and reconciliation. Their profound understanding of local customs, traditions and cultural nuances makes them effective peacemakers. The Onido stool crisis, where Oba Ladoja intervened, exemplifies the significance of traditional leaders in addressing communal issues.
Their involvement fosters trust, as their perceived neutrality and trustworthiness facilitate negotiations. They also safeguard culture by upholding and respecting traditional customs. Moreover, they promote peace by mediating disputes and maintaining social cohesion and stability.
However, traditional leaders must remain impartial and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure their efforts are effective and sustainable.
The challenges they face include navigating complex power dynamics, balancing traditional practices with modern governance and managing expectations from various stakeholders. In addition, they may encounter resistance from parties with vested interests or those seeking to exploit traditional institutions for personal gain.
We commend Oba Ladoja for his leadership and commitment to preserving the traditions and customs of Ibadanland. We urge the panel to conduct its work with impartiality and urgency and for the stakeholders to cooperate and support the process.
The panel members now have the responsibility to step up and contribute to the restoration of peace in Ido township.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, writes from the University of Ibadan and is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan, via oladejo65@gmail.com. 08077284442
