The city of Ibadan witnessed a momentous occasion on Thursday as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was formally crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The traditional coronation rites were performed at the revered Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, marking the beginning of a new royal era in one of Nigeria’s most culturally significant cities.
Before receiving the crown, Oba Ladoja had undergone key traditional rites, including the Akoko leaf ceremony at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, a significant step in Ibadan’s kingmaking process.
He is expected to receive the staff and instrument of office later today at a high-profile ceremony at the iconic Mapo Hall, to be conducted by Governor Seyi Makinde, who reportedly cut short his annual leave to personally attend the installation.
The coronation drew a large crowd of dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians, and Ibadan residents, many of whom were dressed in vibrant cultural attire to celebrate the occasion.
Among the prominent personalities in attendance were: Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,former Osun Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Chief Imam of Ibadan, who led special prayers for the new monarch.
Security was tight across the city, with personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army deployed to ensure the ceremony proceeded without disruption.
Oba Ladoja’s ascension follows the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025. Following Ibadan’s time-honoured succession system renowned for its transparency and seniority-based progression, Ladoja was named Olubadan-designate shortly after.
His journey from political leadership to traditional royalty marks a unique milestone in the history of Ibadan, as he becomes the first former civilian governor of the state to mount the prestigious throne.
The Olubadan stool remains one of the most respected and structurally distinct traditional institutions in Nigeria, celebrated for its orderly, lineage-based ascension process that has minimized succession crises over the decades.
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