The ancient city of Ibadan stood still on Friday as former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a colourful ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu, four governors, ministers, monarchs, and political heavyweights.
Oba Ladoja, who made history as the first governor to ascend the Olubadan throne, received the staff and instrument of office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the historic Mapo Hall.
In his first official request as monarch, he urged President Tinubu to honour the people of the town with the creation of Ibadan State before 2027.
Speaking in Yoruba, he said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority. Give us Ibadan State before 2027.”
Present at the event were Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
Also present were former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Donald Duke (Cross River), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); and the wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala, among other dignitaries.
The President, who recalled Ladoja’s turbulent years as a governor, noted how his impeachment and political battles showcased his courage and determination.
He said it was an honour to witness a long-time political ally ascend the throne of his forebears.
Tinubu said, “Your suffering has been as painful to us as a painful surgery. But the economy has now returned to a moment of growth and prosperity. Thank you for your perseverance, and thank you for your endurance.
“Let me also salute the renowned businessman, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, on the occasion of your coronation.”
Lauding the people of Ibadan for the support he received during his presidential campaign, Tinubu said, “I once came to Oke Mapo to seek your support to tell you ‘Emi l’okan’ (it’s my turn), and now we are there. Thank you very much.”
“It is a privilege for me, as President, to witness your coronation and all the things you’ve started, the expectations, and the history we share together as you ascend the throne of your forebears,” he added
The President also saluted former governors: Duke, Oyinlola, Amosun, Mallam Shekarau, and “my friend, Rabiu Kwankwanso.”
He said, “This moment is not for long, but to give joy and prayers to the man of the moment, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
Presenting the staff of office and certificate of office to the Olubadan, Makinde, at exactly 3.05pm, said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of the people, and in the presence of God.
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa the first. This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am so present.”
Makinde said the emergence of Ladoja as the 44th traditional leader of the ancient city was a source of pride to the people of Ibadan.
“The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all.
“I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole,” he added.
Rites of ascension
Earlier in the day, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola of the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State, placed the Akoko leaves on the head of Oba Ladoja, attracting loud ovation from the crowd that witnessed it.
The ceremony was in preparation for his move to the Ose-Meji Temple, where he was crowned as the 44th Olubadan.
Leaving the Labosinde compound, the monarch crossed to the other side of the road into the Ose Meji Temple to receive the crown.
After wearing the crown, the monarch then arrived at the Mapo Hall to receive his instrument of office and staff of office.
Muslim and Christian clerics were present at the event to lead prayers.
The President arrived alongside the governors and some dignitaries in his entourage to a rousing welcome from the waiting crowd.
Dignitaries roll-call
Royal fathers present at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRosheed Akanbi; Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, among others.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was represented by his Olori, as he was unavoidably absent owing to the ongoing Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife.
The colourful ceremony also attracted prominent Nigerians, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd); and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.
Also present were the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, alongside other federal and state lawmakers; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zach Adedeji; Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale; Nigerian gospel artiste, Evang (Dr) Funmi Aragbaye, among others.
The Fuji maestro, Alhaji Taye Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, entertained the guests at the event.
The new Olubadan’s entourage included political allies such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South); All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in 2023, Senator Teslim Folarin, the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, among others.
