By Peter Omopo / 19th August 2025
The Olubadan-In-Council on Tuesday held its first formal meeting with the Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to welcome him back to Ibadan and deliberate on arrangements for his forthcoming installation.
The two-hour closed-door session, held at Ladoja’s Ondo Street, Bodija residence, also featured a minute’s silence in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7 at the age of 90.
Led by the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, the council congratulated Ladoja on his unanimous ratification as the next Olubadan. Adegbola assured the former Oyo State governor of the council’s support, noting the high expectations from the public ahead of his reign.
“The public expectation over you is very high, and we promise to continue to pray to God to give you unction to function,” Adegbola said, while pledging the council’s readiness to assist with coronation planning.
In his remarks, Ladoja expressed gratitude for the council’s endorsement and promised to run an inclusive and collective administration that values the opinions of the council members.
“As Olubadan, I will run a collective and all-inclusive administration that will take into consideration your opinions,” he assured.
On preparations for the coronation, Ladoja stressed the importance of collaboration with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as traditional stakeholders such as the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje. He said discussions with the governor would help determine the official date of the ceremony.
“Now that I am back home, the council can meet with Governor Makinde to discuss coronation details. It is after this is done that the date will be announced,” he noted.
The Olubadan-elect also pledged to carry the council along in nominating representatives to the state’s coronation committee.
Present at the meeting were senior chiefs including Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, who delivered the vote of thanks.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, was absent but sent his apologies.
Several dignitaries, including former Minister Wole Oyelese and 2023 APC governorship candidate Senator Teslim Folarin, also paid courtesy visits to Ladoja after the meeting.
