By Oluwabukunmi
The ancient city of Ibadan witnessed a historic moment on Friday as former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a colourful and widely attended ceremony.
The coronation, held at the iconic Mapo Hall, drew the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, four sitting governors, ministers, top monarchs, and political leaders from across the country.
Oba Ladoja, who thus became the first former governor to ascend the revered throne, received the staff and instrument of office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at exactly 3:05 p.m.
In his first address as monarch, Oba Ladoja appealed directly to President Tinubu to grant the creation of Ibadan State before 2027. Speaking in Yoruba, he said:
“My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority. Give us Ibadan State before 2027.”
Tinubu hails Ladoja
President Tinubu, while delivering his goodwill message, described Oba Ladoja as a political ally whose resilience during turbulent times as governor exemplified courage and endurance.
“Your suffering has been as painful to us as a painful surgery. But today, I salute you as a renowned businessman and statesman, now His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I. It is a privilege to witness your coronation,” Tinubu said.
He also recalled his own campaign at Oke Mapo in Ibadan, thanking residents for the support that helped secure his presidency.
Makinde’s tribute
Presenting the staff of office, Governor Makinde lauded the seamless succession process to the Olubadan throne as a symbol of unity and tradition.
“This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of the people, and in the presence of God. By the power conferred on me, I present the staff of office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he declared.
He expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring peace, unity, and development to Ibadan and Oyo State.
Rites of ascension
Earlier in the day, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola of Labosinde Compound, performed the traditional rite of placing Akoko leaves on Ladoja’s head before he proceeded to the Ose-Meji Temple, where he was formally crowned.
The monarch later moved to Mapo Hall for the presentation of his staff of office amid prayers from both Christian and Muslim clerics.
Dignitaries in attendance
The event attracted a roll call of political and traditional leaders, including Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Former governors Kayode Fayemi, Donald Duke, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Ibikunle Amosun were also present, alongside other dignitaries.
The coronation was celebrated as a symbolic fusion of political experience and traditional leadership, marking the beginning of a new era in Ibadan’s monarchy.
