Oba Ladoja Arrives Mapo Hall for Coronation, After Completing Traditional Olubadan Rites

The ancient city of Ibadan was brought to a standstill as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the former Governor of Oyo State, made his ceremonial entry to the historic Mapo Hall, the venue for his official public presentation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Oba Ladoja’s arrival at the iconic hall, which took place amidst a massive crowd, cultural displays, and a rousing fanfare, signalled the climax of his lifelong journey up the Ibadan chieftaincy ladder and the conclusion of the most sacred traditional rites of ascension.

Earlier in the day, the Olubadan-designate performed the necessary traditional rituals. This included the significant decoration with the Akoko leaf by the Afobaje of Ibadanland at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba. Following this, he proceeded to the Ose-Meji Temple where the crucial crowning ceremony took place, in accordance with the revered customs of Ibadanland.

Mapo Hall served as the location where the new monarch formally received the Staff and Instrument of Office from the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, making history as the first former Governor to ascend the throne of the Olubadan.

The grand ceremony drew a distinguished gathering of national and regional leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several state governors, the Sultan of Sokoto, and other prominent traditional rulers, underscoring the political and cultural significance of the coronation. The celebration marks a new chapter for Ibadanland, with the city’s populace welcoming the new Oba with overwhelming joy and high hopes for peace and development during his reign.