The ancient city of Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, came alive on Friday with pomp, pageantry, and cultural splendour as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The coronation, which held at the historic Mapo Hall, drew an overwhelming crowd, with indigenes, well-wishers, traditional rulers, political leaders, and cultural enthusiasts trooping into the city to witness the epoch-making occasion.
The grand event was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, members of the National Assembly, eminent royal fathers across Yorubaland, and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria. The presence of such high-profile figures underscored the significance of the coronation, not just to Ibadanland, but to the Yoruba nation as a whole.
Oba Ladoja, an elder statesman, seasoned businessman, and respected politician who once served as Governor of Oyo State, finally ascended the revered throne after patiently climbing the city’s unique and orderly chieftaincy ladder for decades. His journey symbolises the resilience and heritage of Ibadan’s monarchical system, which ensures that nearly every chief has a clear path to the throne in due time.
A symbolic last bow
One of the most memorable highlights of the day was the deeply cultural moment when Oba Ladoja performed what many observers described as his “final prostration.” In Yoruba culture, prostration is a symbolic act of humility, but once a man becomes king, he bows to no one again. In a viral clip shared online, the new monarch was seen bowing in humility before his coronation crown was placed on his head. The video was captioned: “Today is the last time Oba Adewolu Ladoja will ever prostrate for anyone again. Long live the king.”
For cultural enthusiasts and traditional custodians, this act carried profound meaning. Many described it as a transition point — the closing of one chapter in his life as a subject and the beginning of another as the supreme ruler of Ibadanland. It was a powerful reminder of the dignity, respect, and timeless heritage tied to Yoruba traditional institutions.
Mixed reactions trail coronation
While the coronation was greeted with widespread joy and cultural pride, it also sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, especially on social media. Some hailed the ascension as a testament to the strength of Yoruba culture and Ibadan’s orderly succession system, where almost every chief eventually gets a chance to become Olubadan. They saw it as a triumph of tradition over political interference.
Others, however, raised concerns about the monarch’s age, questioning how long he might reign. Critics argued that the advanced age of successive Olubadans often means their reigns are relatively short. Yet, supporters countered that the cultural symbolism and respect for tradition outweigh such concerns, as every reign, no matter how brief, carries historical and spiritual weight.
For many, the day was not about politics or scepticism but about celebrating the endurance of Yoruba customs. Social media was flooded with messages of cultural pride, with users declaring: “I love cultures so so much,” and “Long live the king.”
Public reactions
Nigerians online reacted strongly to the coronation, showing a blend of admiration, humour, and scepticism. Comments included:
GodswillHarvest: “May his reign be peaceful.”
BigTinzy: “This one set no go reach 2 years for throne.”
FinegirlDami: “Long live the king.”
TechTrooperX: “W Ladoja.”
Hunchojnr4765: “Lol e no fit prostrate for president too?”
These mixed responses highlighted both respect for the throne and the sceptical humour typical of Nigerian online culture. But beyond the chatter, the symbolic weight of Oba Ladoja’s final bow before ascending the throne has cemented his place in Yoruba history.
Watch the video below…
The moment Oba Adewolu Ladoja did his last public prostration. Today is the last time he would ever prostrate for anyone again. Long live the king ❤️👑 pic.twitter.com/ZdxVwaiNtw
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) September 26, 2025