Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was enveloped in jubilation on Thursday as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of the state, was formally crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The historic event, held at Mapo Hall, drew a massive crowd of dignitaries, politicians, traditional rulers, and ordinary citizens who turned out in colourful attire to witness the installation of one of Ibadan’s most illustrious sons.
The ceremony, presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde, reached its climax when the governor presented the Staff of Office to Oba Ladoja, officially confirming his ascension to the throne. The event was marked by music, drumming, and cultural displays that reflected Ibadan’s rich heritage.
In his first address as Olubadan, Oba Ladoja called for unity among the people of Ibadan and used the occasion to make a passionate appeal for the creation of Ibadan State. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the dream of Ibadan Statehood a reality before the end of his administration in 2027, describing it as a long-overdue recognition of Ibadan’s size, population, and historical significance.
“Ibadan deserves recognition as a state of its own,” the monarch declared. “We have the capacity, the people, and the heritage to stand as a state within Nigeria’s federation. I call on President Tinubu to fulfill this before 2027.”
The governor, in his remarks, congratulated the new Olubadan and praised his long record of service to the people of Oyo State, both as a political leader and as a statesman. Governor Makinde expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in peace, development, and a stronger voice for Ibadan within Nigeria’s political and cultural space.
The coronation was attended by several prominent Nigerians, including traditional rulers from across Yorubaland, members of the National Assembly, captains of industry, and representatives of socio-cultural organizations. Security was tight, but the mood remained festive as residents thronged the streets around Mapo Hall, chanting songs of praise and expressing pride in their new monarch.
For many Ibadan indigenes, the installation of Oba Ladoja was not only the continuation of a centuries-old succession tradition but also a symbolic moment of renewal. Market women, artisans, and youths interviewed at the event said they believed his reign would bring prosperity and stability to the ancient city.
Historians also noted the significance of Oba Ladoja’s coronation. Beyond his political career, the new Olubadan is known as a man of culture and a unifier whose leadership style is expected to strengthen the city’s traditional institutions. His ascension marks a new chapter in Ibadan’s history, one that many hope will reinforce its standing as a center of Yoruba civilization.
As celebrations continued late into the evening, with traditional drummers and dancers performing across the city, the people of Ibadan embraced their new monarch with hope and optimism. For them, the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is not just a change of leadership but the dawn of a new era for Ibadanland.
