Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was on Friday thrown into celebration as the former governor of the state, Rashidi Ladoja, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a ceremony steeped in tradition and attended by eminent Nigerians.
The coronation, held at Mapo Hall, saw Governor Seyi Makinde present the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch, who had earlier completed traditional rites at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, and the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area.
Ladoja’s installation follows the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on 7 July 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday. His demise set in motion the Ibadan chieftaincy succession system, which elevated Ladoja, then Otun Olubadan, to the position of Olubadan-designate.
In the days leading up to the coronation, Ibadan was abuzz with excitement. Major roads such as Iwo Road, Mokola, Challenge, Ring Road, and Apata were lined with billboards carrying Ladoja’s photographs and congratulatory messages from individuals and corporate organisations.
Markets across the metropolis were shut on Friday, and the Oyo State Police Command closed adjoining roads around Mapo Hall to ease traffic. Officers of the State Road Traffic Management Authority were stationed at strategic junctions, while a combined team of DSS operatives, soldiers, and police officers maintained security throughout the city.
Governor Makinde, who had been on annual vacation, returned a day early to personally present the staff of office. The reopening of the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport on Wednesday also boosted preparations, allowing dignitaries to fly into the city for the ceremony.
The coronation attracted a wide array of traditional rulers, political leaders, and clerics. Present at the event were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Among the political class were former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Osun governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The Chief Imam of Ibadan led prayers, while President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were also billed to attend.
Oba Ladoja, who turned 81 on Thursday, has had a remarkable career spanning business, politics, and traditional leadership. Rising through the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy over three decades, he combined his role in governance as a senator and later governor of Oyo State with his responsibilities as a high chief.
His journey has often been described as a 32-year path of patience and resilience. Many observers consider his ascension historic, not only because of his political prominence but also as a testament to the Ibadan succession model, widely respected for its transparency and orderliness.
Now addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the monarch is expected to unify his people and sustain the cultural, social, and political relevance of Ibadan in Nigeria’s history.
