Makinde Approves Ladoja as 44th Olubadan, Coronation Set for September 26

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during the governor’s visit to the Olubadan-designate at his Bodija residence in Ibadan. Governor Makinde also fixed Friday, September 26, 2025, just a day after Ladoja’s 81st birthday for the coronation ceremony.

Ladoja, who returned to Ibadan on Monday, was confirmed as the Olubadan-designate following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7. Speaking earlier in the week, he described his emergence as “coincidental” noting that he was born in 1944 and will now ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Governor Makinde also announced the appointment of former Chairman of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero, as chairman of the coronation committee. Other members of the committee are expected to be unveiled in due course.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Debo Ogundoyin, congratulated Ladoja on his confirmation. He described the elevation as a historic moment that combines royalty, wisdom, and statesmanship while commending Makinde for promptly approving the nomination of the Olubadan-in-Council.

In a statement issued through his media office, Ogundoyin remarked: “Congratulations to Senator Rashidi Ladoja on his ascension to the enviable throne of Olubadan. May his reign usher in unity, peace, prosperity, and renewed glory to Ibadanland and the entire Oyo State. The emergence of Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan is not only a unifying moment for our people but also a celebration of the uniqueness of Ibadan’s traditional system”.

He further hailed the Ibadan chieftaincy succession model as one of the most peaceful, credible, and dignified traditional frameworks in Nigeria, noting that the seamless emergence of a new Olubadan without rancour remains a source of pride.

Ogundoyin urged all indigenes and residents of Ibadan to rally behind the incoming monarch and actively participate in the coronation, which he described as a landmark event in the history of the ancient city.