By Adeyinka Adeniran
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ex Nigerian vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwakwanso and others are part of dignitaries expected at the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Rasidi Ladoja.
Recall that both Tinubu and Ladoja served at the Senate during the aborted third Republic. Aside that, while Tinubu was serving his second term as Lagos State Governor, Ladoja was also serving as governor in Oyo State.
Ladoja, a former Senator and governor in Oyo State is billed to be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland next week Friday 26th of September, 2025 at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja, few days ago while recieving some visitors who came to paid him courtesy visit at his Bodija residence had earlier said President Tinubu and other top dignitaries has reached out to him and promised to be in attendance at his coronation.
Chairman of the Coronation Committee of the 44th Olubadan, Chief Bayo Oyero while speaking with journalists during a press conference held at Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan also confirmed that President Tinubu and other top eminent personalities would be in attendance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oyero described installation of Ladoja as the new Olubadan as a great cultural and historical significant, adding that the installation will not just be a coronation but reaffirmation of unique and timeless chieftaincy system of Ibadanland.
He said Ibadan succession process is a testament to it’s democratic and orderly tradition, a system that has ensured peace and stability for generation.
He said, “The ascension of Oba Ladoja is a journey of many years back, a path meticulously followed and guided by the wisdom of the ancestors.”
He noted that Ladoja, being a former Senator, Governor, and now Olubadan will be equiped with unique understanding of the grassroots to the corridor of power.
He however said Ibadan people are confident that Ladoja would bring his wealth of experience to the throne, leading Ibadanland into a new era of progress, peace and prosperity.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the state, Hon. Ademola Ojo described Olubadan stool as a revered stool and pride cultural identity not just to Ibadanland, but Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
He said Ladoja’s coronation signified unity, peace and fundamental celebration of Yoruba heritage.
He however thanked governor Seyi Makinde for his exemplary leadership and respect for traditional institution.
In attendance at the event was the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indegien (CCII), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Ekeerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade and media aide to the Olubadan designate, Adeola Oloko among others.
