Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has officially been installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, receiving the staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde at a grand coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan on Friday.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja thanked Governor Makinde, the Olubadan in Council, President Bola Tinubu, royal fathers and dignitaries that graced the event.
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He also renewed his plea for the creation of Ibadan State. He told President Tinubu that Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, deserves autonomous status as a state in its own right.
“I thank the President for creating time to attend today’s event. I also thank him for agreeing to give us Ibadan state,” he said.
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Governor Makinde described the new king as a leader whose patience, discipline, and humility exemplify the unique succession system of Ibadan. He said Mr Ladoja’s reign would further unify the ancient city and strengthen its place in Yoruba history.
The governor said the orderly transfer of the Olubadan stool remained an enviable model of traditional leadership in Nigeria.
He also expressed confidence that the new monarch would build on the legacies of his predecessors to unite the people and foster development.
“The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all. I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole,” Governor Makinde added.
Moments later, President Tinubu congratulated Oba Ladoja, noting the historical significance of his journey from political leadership as a former governor to the revered Olubadan stool.
President Tinubu urged him to champion peace and development, assuring him of the Federal Government’s support.
Speaking further, Mr Tinubu expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and resilience, saying their hardships felt to his administration much like a difficult surgery. He affirmed, however, that the economy was now making a comeback, moving into a phase of growth and renewed prosperity.
“Your suffering has been as painful to us as a painful surgery. But the economy has now returned to a moment of growth and prosperity,” President Tinubu said.
Highlights of the coronation
As early as 8:12 a.m., security agencies mounted roadblocks and conducted sweeps of the Mapo Hall precincts. By 9:11 a.m., thousands had already gathered. The crowd was adorned in vibrant aso-ebi, and the sound of drums and ululations filled the air.
Cultural troupes from across Ibadanland dazzled the crowd with traditional music and dance, adding colour to the historic ceremony. The rhythmic beats of the bata drums and the spectacle of masquerades electrified Mapo Hall.
Fuji star Taye Currency was the official musician of the day, serenading guests and hailing the new monarch as he made his royal entry.
Top guests arrived throughout the morning, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, governors from neighbouring states, traditional rulers like the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, the Olugbo of Ugbo Land Oba Fredrick Akiruntan as well as Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi. Meanwhile, Folashade Adegoke, wife of the Ooni of Ife, represented the Ife king, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at the coronation ceremony.
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Also present at the coronation were former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
At 11:42 a.m., Oba Ladoja made his entrance into Mapo Hall, receiving a rousing welcome. Dignitaries, cultural troupes, and celebratory chants marked the moment.
The event climaxed with cultural displays, prayers by Christian and Islamic clerics, and tributes from eminent traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto.
With the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Ladoja and the outpouring of tributes from leaders across the country, Ibadan has ushered into a new chapter under Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
