By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, came alive on Friday as former governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was formally installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new monarch at about 3:08 p.m. during a colourful ceremony held at the historic Mapo Hall. President Bola Tinubu, state governors, former governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders were among the dignitaries in attendance.
“As the Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Chiefs’ Law, I hereby present the staff of office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Makinde declared.
The presentation followed traditional rites earlier performed at the Labosinde Compound and the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East, where Ladoja received the Akoko leaf and the crown.
In his remarks, Makinde congratulated the new Olubadan, describing the event as historic. He noted that the succession process of the Ibadan traditional institution had been stabilised, adding that “all challenges associated with the institution are now behind us.”
The governor expressed optimism that Ladoja’s reign would bring progress to the ancient city. “It’s a great honour to celebrate this coronation. The excitement shows we must uphold our tradition,” he said.
President Tinubu, who flew into Ibadan for the ceremony, hailed the new monarch as “a rare gem in history,” praising his perseverance and reliability. “Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour to witness your coronation, to witness history,” Tinubu said.
The event drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. Former governors Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Rabiu Kwankwaso were also present.
Security was tight around Mapo Hall, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army ensuring a hitch-free ceremony.
Ladoja ascended the throne following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.
