The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, will be crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the capital of Oyo State, on Friday, 26 September, 2025.
The ceremony will take place at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital.
Ladoja’s nomination, it was gathered has been approved by the state Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Chief Adeola Oloko, his personal aide confirmed the development on Wednesday, 20 August, 2026.
“Oba Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, 26 September, 2025.
“The ceremony is billed for the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital” Oloko said.
This decision, it was gathered, was arrived at on Tuesday, 19 August, 2025, when the state government met with Ladoja and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his residence in Bodija.
Ladoja has described his journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials.”
Attributing his emergence to the grace of God, Ladoja, while speaking publicly for the first time since his official nomination, reflected on the emotional and spiritual weight of his ascension following the death of his predecessor.
“When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, it hit me with a rude shock. I never imagined that destiny would call me at this moment,” he said, addressing a crowd at his residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan.
He paid tribute to the late Olubadan, describing him as a traditional ruler who upheld Ibadan’s customs with dignity and honor. He extended condolences to the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadanland.
Recounting his path to the throne, Ladoja noted that his journey began over three decades ago when he was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993.
Since then, he has steadily risen through the 36 hierarchical steps of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system—one of the most structured in Yorubaland.
“It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour. Many who started this journey with me are no longer alive,” he said emotionally.
