Ladoja Crowned 44th Olubadan in Grand Ceremony at Mapo Hall

Ibadan — The ancient city of Ibadan on Friday witnessed history as Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, taking the regal title Arusa I. The coronation ceremony, held at the iconic Mapo Hall, drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders and thousands of indigenes and residents.

President Bola Tinubu, who attended the ceremony, hailed the coronation as historic and said he was deeply honoured to be part of the moment. He praised Ladoja’s resilience and long journey, recalling his challenges as a former governor and legislator, and described his ascension as a rare gem in history. Tinubu urged the new Olubadan to use his reign to strengthen unity and progress in Ibadan and the wider Yoruba nation.

During his royal speech, Oba Ladoja made a bold appeal to President Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State, declaring that the Olubadan-in-Council’s position reflects the wishes of the people. He asked the crowd to rise and thank the President “in advance” for granting the request. He also committed to service, pledging to continue working for Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and Africa.

As part of the formalities, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja, affirming him as the official ruler. Makinde said the king remains his father despite being governor of the state and promised that the government would give the new Olubadan all necessary backing to achieve his wishes for Ibadanland. Earlier, the Afobaje of Ibadanland performed the traditional “Akoko leaves” ritual at the Labosinde compound, placing the leaves on Ladoja’s head to symbolise royal authority.

The guest list included prominent rulers such as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as well as several former governors including Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rabiu Kwankwaso. High traditional chiefs of Ibadan were also present, including the Aare Latoosa and Chief Onikepo Akande.

The coronation was conducted under tight security, with road closures and heavy deployment of security personnel to ensure order. Markets in parts of Ibadan dimmed in observance of the event while the city was decorated with billboards and banners celebrating the new Olubadan.

Well-wishers across Nigeria took to social media and physical gatherings to congratulate the monarch. Praise poured in for his ascendancy, highlighting his long chieftaincy journey and political pedigree. Oba Ladoja, born in 1944 and now aged 81, holds the distinction of being the first former governor to ascend the Olubadan throne, bringing a unique blend of political experience and traditional leadership.

The ceremony reaffirmed the continuity of Ibadan’s revered chieftaincy tradition. With the receipt of the staff of office, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, now assumes the mantle of leadership over Ibadanland, his reign anticipated with excitement and high expectations from the people of Ibadan and the wider Yoruba community. the continuity of Ibadan’s revered chieftaincy tradition. With receipt of the staff of office, Ladoja now officially assumes the mantle of leadership over Ibadanland, his reign anticipated with excitement and high expectations from both the local populace and the wider Yoruba community.