The ancient city of Ibadan hosted eminent personalities from 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.
uThe celebration, described as the pinnacle of a lifelong journey, is said to be historic in Nigeria, marking the first time that a former governor, senator, and successful businessman will become an imperial majesty.
Mr 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.
Ibadan’s unique rotational traditional system permits the alternation of the throne between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines, a structure that has been carefully maintained for the past 170 years.
The Olubadan stool became vacant following the passing of the Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, at the age of 90 years.
Mr Ladoja was installed as Jagun on October 1, 1993, by Oba Yesufu Oloyede-Asanike, after which he advanced through each promotion for 32 years, demonstrating 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.
Early on Friday morning, residents and dignitaries began to arrive at the iconic Mapo Hall, the 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 in place, with a heavy presence of various security agents to prevent a 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 symbolised national recognition of Ladoja’s significance beyond Yorubaland.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, during a courtesy visit to Mr 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 Mr Ladoja’s wealth of experience would bring unprecedented progress to Ibadanland, noting that traditional rulers must rally round one another to ensure the unity of Yorubaland.
Additionally, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, highlighted the importance of Ibadanland to the nation’s human and capital development.
Mr Obi noted that the socio-economic and political history of Nigeria would not be complete without mentioning Ibadan, as Ibadanland had always played a pivotal role in both the socio-economic and political history of Nigeria.
“The ancient city is blessed with the likes of Ladoja, who has seen it all as former governor and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is expected that his wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new royal assignment as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he said.
Similarly, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Surulere LGA, Oba Francis Alao, described the Ibadan kingship succession system as one of the best in the Yoruba race, with a well-structured process for identifying 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 the much-needed peaceful coexistence of the entire Yoruba race.
Former Governor Olusegun Mimiko said Mr Ladoja has an impressive track record, which has made his colleagues, former governors, proud of him and has always made them want to associate with him.
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 House of Assembly of his notice of early resumption from leave, which he submitted to the legislature on Thursday.
In the letter, the governor stated that he deemed it necessary to cut short his vacation and resume duty due to the historic and culturally significant event.
Mr Makinde had initially informed the House that he would be taking his annual leave from August 29 to September 29, 2025.
Major markets such as Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oje, and Ita-Merin were temporarily shut as a mark of honor and deep respect for Ibadan’s traditional institutions.
(NAN)
