September 26, 2025
In a ceremony steeped in tradition, history, and the weight of responsibility, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was officially crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The coronation marks the formal ascendancy of a statesman, former governor, and elder in Nigerian politics into one of the most revered traditional thrones in Yorubaland.
The journey to this moment has been long and marked by continuity of tradition.
Following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, on July 7, 2025, after almost a year on the throne, the Olubadan-in-Council commenced customary succession protocols.
Oba Ladoja’s nomination was unanimous among the Council of Kingmakers, reflecting the Ibadan system of alternating between the civil and military lines, as each possible successor works their way through a hierarchy of chief-titles over decades.
Governor Seyi Makinde officially approved the nomination, thereby setting the date for the enthronement.
In the build-up to the coronation, a week-long series of events was organised to honour the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan.
These included an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, a Cultural Day, a Coronation Lecture, a Mega Praise Worship, and other celebratory cultural displays.
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Security was tightened as the date approached: more than 2,000 operatives from the Nigeria Police, DSS, Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority were deployed to ensure a peaceful and well-coordinated event.
Traffic diversions were announced across key routes in Ibadan in anticipation of the arrival of dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu.
Shuttle services were set up to ferry guests from designated parking areas to Mapo Hall.
Speaking on the eve of his coronation, Oba Ladoja described his elevation as “a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour.”
He paid tribute to the late Oba Olakulehin, whose passing opened the way for continuity of tradition under difficult emotional circumstances.
Reflecting on his own long path through the hierarchical chieftaincy system, having held the title of Jagun Balogun since October 1, 1993, and later Otun Olubadan, he acknowledged that many of his peers have since passed on, underscoring the weight of legacy.
Leaders and public servants from all levels have felicitated him, praising his record in governance, his statesmanship, and his knowledge of Ibadan tradition. They called for unity among the people of Ibadanland under his reign.
As Kingmaker traditions hold, Oba Ladoja’s reign begins under high expectations.
Observers note that while the role is largely ceremonial in modern governance, the Olubadan remains a potent symbol of identity, culture, moral leadership, and community cohesion for Ibadanland.
Many hope his experience in governance and his elder statesmanship will help bridge divides, promote peace, and foster developments, social, cultural, and infrastructural, within Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
