History was made in Ibadan on Friday as Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, formally presented the staff and instruments of office to the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, at a colourful ceremony held at Mapo Hall Arcade.
Governor Makinde declared that the Olubadan traditional succession system remains sacrosanct, assuring that the lingering disputes of recent years are now resolved. He prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in peace, unity, and prosperity for Ibadanland.
“In front of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I, Governor Seyi Makinde, in exercise of the powers conferred on me under the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, hereby present the staff of office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I,” the governor announced to loud applause.
Makinde congratulated all sons and daughters of Ibadan, noting that the people’s excitement reflects their strong desire to uphold tradition. He linked the day’s events to wider progress, pointing out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s arrival in Ibadan marked the first time a wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport — a symbolic opening to a new era.
In his goodwill message, President Tinubu congratulated Oba Ladoja, describing him as a man of perseverance, resilience, and integrity. He recalled their days in the Senate and Ladoja’s political travails, praying for his long life and a successful reign that would be remembered among Ibadan’s finest monarchs.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, along with dignitaries including state governors, ministers, lawmakers, and traditional rulers from across Nigeria, also paid tribute to the new Olubadan, describing his ascension as the culmination of a resilient journey.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja, who turned 81 a day earlier, pledged to devote the rest of his life to service. He appealed to President Tinubu to grant the creation of an Ibadan State before 2027, stressing that his reign would focus on service to Ibadan, Oyo State, Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa.
The new monarch highlighted urban renewal as a key priority, promising to restore communities sliding into slums, while urging the city’s many federal institutions and private businesses to give back to Ibadan. “Since God has spared my life till this day, I will serve with all my strength. What remains is service to humanity,” he declared.
The coronation drew a distinguished roll call of leaders, from the Sultan of Sokoto to governors, ministers, and former state executives, as well as Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad. The event reinforced the resilience of Ibadan’s traditional system and renewed confidence in its continuity.
For many, Friday’s ceremony was more than a coronation — it was a reaffirmation of unity, tradition, and progress for Ibadanland under its new royal father, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Remmy Nweke with Gbemi Omotoso/DoP
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