Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, witnessed a historic celebration as former governor of the state, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The colourful ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, marked a new chapter for the ancient city as the monarch received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja described his coronation as the beginning of a “new dawn” for Ibadanland. Switching between Yoruba and English, the revered monarch emphasized that kingship was not about opulence or privileges but service to the people. “Our role as kings is not just to wear royal beads or enjoy titles,” he said. “It is about commitment to the welfare of our people. I pledge to devote my life to serving Ibadan diligently and selflessly.”
The new Olubadan praised the foresight of Ibadan’s founding fathers who opened the city to federal institutions and private enterprises, calling on these establishments to give back to the community. He expressed gratitude to God, the President of Nigeria, the Oyo State government, and the Olubadan-in-Council—the kingmakers whose support made his ascension possible. “One year ago, many feared Ibadan would be thrown into crisis, but Ibadan has a way of resolving its own issues. Today we are here in unity,” he declared.
Oba Ladoja also used the occasion to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to create a separate Ibadan State from the present Oyo State before May 2027. He revealed plans for an ambitious urban renewal programme to rejuvenate decaying neighbourhoods and prevent the spread of slums. According to him, a multi-billion-naira economic development initiative will soon be launched to revive struggling industries and create jobs for the city’s teeming youth. “It is neither power nor money that brought me here,” he said. “God has guided me from my days as Mogaji in 1993 to this throne. I will promote peace, love and unity among all our people, with the full support of the Olubadan-in-Council, local chiefs and titleholders.”
Governor Makinde, while presenting the staff of office, congratulated Ibadan indigenes and residents, noting that Oba Ladoja’s ascension reflected the strength and stability of the city’s traditional institutions. Exercising the powers conferred on him by the Oyo State Chiefs Law, the governor formally proclaimed Oba Ladoja the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. He hailed the seamless transition, stressing that all disputes surrounding the succession were now firmly behind the city.
Makinde highlighted a symbolic development that coincided with the coronation. “History was made yesterday when President Bola Tinubu landed at the newly upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in the first wide-bodied aircraft to ever land in Ibadan,” the governor said. He expressed confidence that the new monarch’s reign would usher in progress, peace, and development, adding that the Oyo State government would work closely with the throne to achieve these goals. “Kabiyesi Ladoja represents continuity and growth,” he said. “His reign will further strengthen our heritage and drive socio-economic advancement.”
President Tinubu, in his goodwill message, congratulated the new monarch and described him as a man of perseverance, resilience, and integrity. The president recalled their shared experiences in the Nigerian Senate and lauded Oba Ladoja’s remarkable political journey, including his triumphant return after his impeachment as governor. He prayed for the monarch’s long life and a reign marked by success and prosperity, describing him as one of the rare gems to ascend the Olubadan throne.
Other dignitaries also offered their tributes. Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, called the coronation the culmination of Oba Ladoja’s remarkable journey. The Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole; and the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim, praised the governor’s commitment to preserving Ibadan’s tradition and prayed for a reign of growth and prosperity.
The grand event drew an impressive roll call of political leaders, traditional rulers, and eminent personalities. Attendees included the governors of Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states—Senators Ademola Adeleke, Biodun Oyebanji, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa—as well as Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu and FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji. Former governors from across Nigeria, including Senators Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Donald Duke, and Kayode Fayemi, were also present. Notable royal fathers such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, joined the celebration.
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