President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday, 26 September, 2025 attended the coronation of the new Olubadan, of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland held the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The coronation ceremony also drew the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; a former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; a former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; a former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and a former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke who are all in attendance.
Also in attendance were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, alongside other federal and state lawmakers.
The Mapo Hall, an iconic landmark in the city, was meticulously decorated, and billboards bearing the image of the Olubadan-designate were seen across the metropolis. The atmosphere is thick with cultural pride, with traditional drummers and dancers adding to the festive mood.
The ceremony is a display of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and a testament to the enduring importance of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria.
Tinubu’s presence which was met with a rousing reception from a massive crowd of dignitaries and citizens, marks the climax of the week-long series of events celebrating the ascension of the new monarch.
Earlier, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed the traditional rites by placing Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, before the monarch proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
His coronation is not just a ceremonial event but a significant milestone that solidifies the continuity of the Olubadan lineage and marks a new era for Ibadanland.
With President Tinubu in attendance, the event serves as a powerful symbol of national unity and a celebration of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
His ascension to the throne comes after a long journey through the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy line, where he rose through various ranks to reach the apex.
Ladoja, a former Oyo state governor and senator, was selected as the 44th Olubadan, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.
Ladoja, 81, is a respected businessman and political figure who rose through the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy ranks to become Olubadan.
Oba Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, has been the center of attention since the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.
The journey to the throne has been a long and distinguished one for the 8-year-old monarch, who has risen through the traditional chieftaincy ranks over a span of 32 years.
His coronation is particularly significant as he is the first former governor of the state to ascend the Olubadan throne, bringing a unique blend of political experience and traditional leadership to the revered stool.
As the ceremony progresses, all eyes are on Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who has already completed key traditional rites, including the symbolic decoration with Akoko leaves.
Source: The Punch online
