A New Era for Ibadan: High Chief Ladoja Set for Coronation as 44th Olubadan

A new era is set to dawn for the ancient city of Ibadan as High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, has been officially scheduled for coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The highly anticipated ceremony is slated for Thursday, September 26, 2025, a date that will cement a historic moment in the city’s unique royal history.

The path to the throne for the former governor was a swift and orderly one, thanks to Ibadan’s well-defined and time-tested succession system. Following the passing of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan-in-Council, the city’s highest body of chiefs and kingmakers, unanimously nominated Ladoja as the next monarch. The council’s recommendation was then officially approved by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who will perform the ceremonial presentation of the staff of office at the coronation.

The coronation is set to be a grand affair, held at the iconic Mapo Hall, a venue that has served as the stage for the enthronement of successive monarchs. The event is expected to attract dignitaries from across the country, showcasing the importance of the Olubadan stool and the respect it commands. For many residents, the enthronement of Ladoja is more than just a ceremonial rite; it’s a symbolic union of a distinguished political past with a traditional future.

Ladoja’s journey to the throne is a testament to the beauty of the Ibadan system. Unlike many other traditional monarchies in Nigeria where succession is often fraught with conflict and disputes, Ibadan’s democratic, ladder-based system ensures a smooth transition. Any male indigene can ascend the throne, provided he climbs through a structured hierarchy of chieftaincy titles. Ladoja’s rise from a lower title to the very top of this ladder is a perfect example of this.

With a new leader on the throne, the people of Ibadan are hopeful for a period of stability and progress. The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja marks a new chapter, not just for the city, but for the history of traditional rulership in Nigeria.