Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Governor Makinde made the presentation at Mapo Hall on Friday, the venue of the coronation ceremony of the new Olubadan.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that the new Olubadan, had earlier been decorated with Akoko leaves as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan, by the Oluwo Afobaje Labosinde.
Oba Ladoja was confirmed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland following nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council at its meeting held at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan on Monday, August 4.
The epoch-making coronation ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance.
Speaking while presenting the staff of office, Governor Makinde described Oba Ladoja’s ascension as “a fulfillment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage.”
He noted that the installation of the new monarch was not just a traditional exercise but also a unifying moment for the people of Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for attending his coronation.
He reiterated his call for the creation of Ibadan state and expressed confidence and optimism in the capacity of the president to actualize it.
He noted that God has blessed him beyond measures in his sojourn in life and stressed that the rest of his life will be dedicated to serving humanity and the people of Ibadan land on the throne.
The nomination Ladoja followed the demise of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 after spending barely on year on the throne.
It would be recalled that Makinde cut short his annual leave on Thursday to personally attend Oba Ladoja’s coronation.
