Abuja: The ancient city of Ibadan played host to eminent personalities home and abroad, traditional rulers and politicians, who gathered to witness the historical inauguration of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The ancient Mapo Hall, venue of the coronation, came alive with pride and celebration on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the celebration, described to be the apex of a lifelong journey, is said to be historical in Nigeria, being the first time that a former governor, senator, and successful businessman will become imperial majesty. Ladoja, who turned 81 on Thursday, emerged from the civil line of the Olubadan throne, specifically from the Otun Olubadan position, which is the most senior chief in the civil line.
NAN reports that Ibadan's unique rotational traditional system permits throne alternation between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines, a structure which has been carefully maintained for the past 170 years. The Olubadan stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, at the age of 90 years. Ladoja was installed as Jagun on Oct. 1, 1993, by Oba Yesufu Oloyede-Asanike, after which he embraced each promotion for 32 years with perseverance, commitment, and understanding as required by the Olubadan chieftaincy system.
He accepted the ceremonial beaded crown in August 2024, a requirement for advancing to Olubadan under the revised Ibadan chieftaincy declaration. NAN reports that early on Friday morning, residents and dignitaries had begun to arrive at the iconic Mapo Hall, venue of the event. Every road leading to Mapo had displayed a vibrant and cultural outlook that reflects the importance and significance of the traditional rulers' coronation.
Top security arrangements were on ground with heavy presence of various security agents to avoid breakdown of law and order. Traditional drums echoed across the venue, with local groups performing chants and dances to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ibadanland and the Yoruba race. The presence of high-ranking traditional rulers, top politicians, religious leaders, and business tycoons from every part of the country symbolized national recognition of Ladoja's significance beyond Yorubaland.
NAN recalled that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, during a courtesy visit to Ladoja's residence on Sunday, described Olubadan-designate as a man who has seen it all, being a former governor, senator, and experienced business magnate. The Ooni added that Ladoja's wealth of experience would bring unprecedented progress to Ibadanland, noting that traditional rulers must rally round themselves to ensure unity of Yorubaland.
Also, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, underscored the importance of Ibadanland to the human and capital development of the nation. Obi noted that the socio-economic and political history of Nigeria would not be complete without Ibadan being mentioned, as Ibadanland had always played a pivotal role in both socio-economic and political history of Nigeria.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao, described Ibadan kingship succession system as one of the best in the Yoruba race with a good structure to identify the next king. He said that the rich experience and wisdom of the Olubadan-designate as a former governor and distinguished senator could not be underrated in achieving much-needed peaceful coexistence of the entire Yoruba race.
On his part, the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said that Ladoja has an impressive track record which had made his former governor colleagues proud of him and always like to associate with him. Also, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, cut short his 2025 annual leave to present the Staff of Office to Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The development followed the approval by the state's House of Assembly of his notice of early resumption from leave submitted to the legislature on Thursday.
In the letter, the governor said he deemed it necessary to cut short his vacation and resume duty, due to the historic and culturally significant event. Makinde had initially informed the House of his annual leave from August 29 till September 29, 2025. NAN reports that major markets such as Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oje, and Ita-merin were temporarily shut as a mark of honour and deep respect for Ibadan traditional institutions.