Ibadan obaship system explained

Ibadan obaship system explained.

I know every system has its pros and cons. Also, no matter how good or bad a system is, some people will like it while some won’t. In Ìbàdàn, the kings are usually old before they ascend the throne. Therefore, many do not reign for long. This has made many people criticize this system and call for its review but I want to tell you why I feel this system is very beautiful.

There are two lines which are the Ọ̀tún (civil line) and the Balógun (military line). So, it’s like a queue that keeps moving. When one Olúbàdàn ascends to be with the ancestors, the next person in line ascends the throne. Here’s why I think the system is very good one.

1. You know who the next king is. Since the last Olubadan was from the civil line, the next would be the highest ranking high chief from the military line (Balógun)

2. Each and every Olúbàdàn would have been properly groomed into the traditions of the line. As a Mọ́gàjí, which is like the qualifying stage, your behaviour must begin to exude royalty. There’s a statement in Ìbàdàn that a Mọ́gàjí in Ìbàdàn is bigger than the kings of many places. Now, imagine the lines they have to climb after a Mọ́gàjí is promoted to Jagun (Check the picture attached). They would have gained so much knowledge and experience about the land and her traditional fabric.

Thanks to Arojinle for this