Former Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has officially ascended the revered throne of Ibadanland, becoming the 44th Olubadan in a historic coronation ceremony that has captured national and international attention.
The grand coronation, held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the iconic Mapo Hall, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of residents, visitors, and dignitaries who converged on the ancient city to honor the new monarch. Streets of Ibadan were filled with excitement as locals clad in colorful traditional attire trooped out to witness the epoch-making occasion.
Earlier in the day, the 81-year-old monarch performed essential traditional rites, receiving the sacred Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba. He was formally crowned at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East before making his way to Mapo Hall for the public presentation of the staff and instrument of office by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, signifying the full transfer of authority and recognition as the paramount ruler of Ibadanland.
A Gathering of Leaders and Cultural Heritage
[/p]The coronation was graced by eminent personalities from politics, business, and traditional institutions. Among the high-profile guests were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, underscoring the national significance of the event.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) also attended, alongside several royal fathers, chiefs, and community leaders. The day was further colored with Yoruba cultural displays, from breathtaking traditional dance performances to the rhythmic beats of talking drums that echoed across Mapo Hill.
Popular Fuji musician Taye Currency thrilled the massive crowd with energetic performances, setting the celebratory tone as Oba Ladoja majestically arrived at Mapo Hall at exactly 11:42 a.m., to thunderous applause and jubilation from the people of Ibadanland.
A Unique Monarch with Political Experience
Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first former governor of Oyo State to occupy the Olubadan stool. His journey to the throne began in the early 1980s when he was installed as Mogaji (family head) of his lineage. He was later elevated to Jagun Olubadan on October 1, 1993, gradually climbing the highly structured and merit-based Olubadan succession ladder.
The Olubadan succession system is unique in Nigeria, operating through two alternating chieftaincy lines—civil and military—ensuring a clear and peaceful process of ascension. This structured system allows progression step by step until the most senior chief emerges as Olubadan, preventing disputes and preserving stability within the Ibadan traditional institution.
Oba Ladoja succeeds the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service. The transition to Oba Ladoja is seen as a continuation of that legacy, infused with his own decades of political experience and deep-rooted connection to Ibadan’s culture and history.
Symbol of Unity and Progress
As the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja is expected to play a key role in uniting the people of Ibadanland while leveraging his political background to foster development, peace, and stability. Many believe his reign will serve as a bridge between modern governance and traditional leadership, reinforcing Ibadan’s place as a cultural and political powerhouse in Nigeria.
The coronation has not only reaffirmed the resilience of Yoruba traditions but has also shone a spotlight on Ibadanland as a city of history, heritage, and hope for the future.
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