Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, witnessed history yesterday as former governor, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The monarch received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde, marking what he described as “a new dawn” for the ancient city.
In his acceptance speech, delivered in both Yoruba and English, Oba Ladoja pledged to devote his reign to service, peace, and unity.
“With my ascension to the throne, there shall be a new dawn in Ibadanland. Our role as kings is not just to wear royal beads and acquire women, but to serve the people. I will therefore devote my life to serving the people of Ibadanland diligently,” he said.
The monarch praised Ibadan’s resourceful people and vowed to revive its economy through a multi-billion Naira Economic Development Programme that will restore once-thriving industries and create jobs for the youth. He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the long-awaited creation of Ibadan State before May 2027.
Oba Ladoja further promised to focus on urban renewal, noting that several communities in the city were turning into slums and must be rebuilt.
Makinde: A New Era for Ibadan
Presenting the staff of office, Governor Makinde congratulated the people of Ibadanland and described Oba Ladoja’s reign as a symbol of continuity and progress. He recalled that history was made a day earlier when President Tinubu’s aircraft became the first wide-bodied plane to land at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan—an event he linked to the dawn of a new era under the new monarch.
“The excitement across the city today shows that Ibadan people want this tradition upheld. All challenges associated with the traditional institution are now behind us,” Makinde declared.
Tinubu, Dignitaries Hail Coronation
In his goodwill message, President Tinubu described Oba Ladoja as a man of perseverance, resilience, and reliability, recalling their days in the Senate and Ladoja’s travails during his impeachment. He prayed for a long, impactful reign for the monarch.
Other goodwill messages came from Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Chief Bayo Oyero (Chairman, Coronation Planning Committee), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole (President-General, CCII), and Chief Kola Karim (Agbaoye of Ibadanland), all of whom described the coronation as a blessing to the city and Oyo State.
Roll Call of Guests
The historic event drew an impressive roll call of dignitaries, including:
- Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
- Former governors Donald Duke, Kayode Fayemi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ibrahim Shekarau, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and others.
- Oyo State officials led by Speaker Debo Ogundoyin, Chief Judge Iyabo Yerima, and SSG Prof. Olanike Adeyemo.
- Prominent traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
The coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, thus marks a defining moment in the city’s history, as leaders and citizens alike look forward to an era of peace, progress, and unity.
