Major Milestone: Ex-Governor Ladoja Crowned 44th Olubadan, Demands Ibadan State Creation
The ancient city of Ibadan was brought to a standstill on Friday as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at the historic Mapo Hall. The coronation, a momentous occasion steeped in tradition, marked the culmination of the monarch’s -year patient climb through Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy system.
Oba Ladoja, who previously served as the Governor of Oyo State and a Senator, makes history as the first former state chief executive to ascend the revered throne. The event drew an array of national figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, alongside a host of governors, ministers, and eminent traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto.
The ceremony reached its peak as Governor Makinde presented the staff and instrument of office to Oba Ladoja, formally confirming his authority as the traditional ruler of the largest indigenous city in Nigeria. Governor Makinde lauded the orderly and stable nature of the Ibadan succession process, describing it as an enviable model in Nigerian traditional leadership.
In his acceptance speech, the new Olubadan, who turned on the eve of his coronation, wasted no time in making his first major public pronouncement. Addressing President Tinubu, Oba Ladoja renewed the long-standing plea of the city’s indigenes for the creation of Ibadan State, urging the Federal Government to actualise it before .
Pledging his reign to the welfare of his people, the Olubadan declared a “new dawn” for Ibadanland and promised to uphold the highest standard of service. His ascension is widely regarded as a triumph of patience, political resilience, and fidelity to Ibadan’s culture, signaling an era of stability and progress for the city.
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