President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday arrived at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, to witness the grand coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
His arrival, greeted with thunderous applause from dignitaries and jubilant residents, marked the climax of a week-long celebration of the city’s cherished monarchy.
The occasion underscored both the national significance and the deep cultural pride attached to the Olubadan stool, a revered institution among the Yoruba people.
Oba Ladoja, 81, is a respected statesman, businessman, and former governor of Oyo State who has steadily risen through the Olubadan chieftaincy hierarchy over the past 32 years.
His coronation is historic, making him the first former governor of Oyo State to ascend the throne, a rare convergence of political leadership and traditional authority.
He succeeds Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on July 7, 2025.
The coronation was a grand cultural spectacle. Mapo Hall, an architectural landmark, was beautifully adorned, while major roads in the city were closed to traffic.
Security was heightened with deployments from the police, DSS, and other agencies, ensuring a peaceful and orderly ceremony.
Across Ibadan, billboards bearing Ladoja’s image, as well as traditional drummers and dancers, created a festive atmosphere brimming with Yoruba heritage.
In attendance were Governor Seyi Makinde, who interrupted his annual leave to personally present the staff of office to the new Olubadan, as well as an impressive roll call of traditional rulers, political leaders, and business moguls from across Nigeria.
Their presence highlighted the widespread respect commanded by both Oba Ladoja and the Olubadan institution.
Oba Ladoja’s coronation is not merely ceremonial; it represents the continuity of Ibadan’s centuries-old succession system and the beginning of a new era for Ibadanland.
Having already completed traditional rites, including the symbolic decoration with Akoko leaves, his ascension blends modern political experience with timeless cultural traditions.
With President Tinubu in attendance, the event stands as both a celebration of Yoruba culture and a symbol of national unity, reinforcing the enduring importance of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s political and cultural life.
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