Former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has been officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, marking a significant moment in the history of the ancient Yoruba city.
The historic coronation ceremony took place on Thursday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde formally presented the Staff of Office to the new monarch at precisely 3:08 p.m.
The event attracted a host of dignitaries from across Nigeria, reflecting the cultural and political significance of the occasion. Among those in attendance were President Bola Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and several serving and former governors, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and Donald Duke, as well as traditional rulers and religious leaders.
Prior to the formal installation at Mapo Hall, traditional rites were performed at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head—symbolising the conferment of traditional authority. The newly crowned monarch then led a grand procession through the city en route to the venue.
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In his address to the jubilant crowd following the presentation of the Staff of Office, Oba Ladoja made a heartfelt and bold appeal for the creation of a new Ibadan State, delivering a message on behalf of his people to President Tinubu. Speaking in Yoruba, he said:
“My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
The call for a new state, carved out from the current Oyo State, was one of the key highlights of the ceremony, resonating with many attendees and observers who see it as a long-standing aspiration of the Ibadan people.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in his remarks, described the coronation as a proud and unifying moment for Ibadanland. He praised the peaceful and well-established succession process of the Olubadan throne, stating:
“It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.
The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all. I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole.”
Oba Rashidi Ladoja now takes his place in the revered lineage of Olubadans, assuming the role of paramount ruler of Ibadanland and a custodian of its traditions, values, and aspirations.
