The new Olubadan of Ibadan land, southwest Nigeria, his Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, was official crowned and presented with a staff of office as the new king at the Mapo hall in the ancient city of Ibadan.
Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, is the 44th paramount ruler of Ibadan land.
The presentation marked the end of one-week coronation ceremony for the new king of Ibadan land, one of the most populous cities in Africa.
A Momentous Occasion
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, presented the staff of office and official letter of appointment under the state chieftaincy laws at an impressive ceremony.
Makinde while presenting the staff of office to the monarch said:
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st”.
The ceremony was a colourful display of African royalty by the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria. There were royal blessings, prayers and traditional music.
Notable traditional rulers across the country witnessed the coronation of a royal father at 81.
The Symbolism
The symbolism of the event was the speech by the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the successes of his economic reforms.
He assured that the hardships endured from economic reforms over the past twenty-eight months are paving the way for sustainable growth and shared prosperity in Nigeria . President Tinubu was emphatic.
“Today I am honoured and I am very proud to give you the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“Your suffering is a pain of a painful surgery but is now returning to the moment of growth and prosperity awaiting us ahead”.
“Thank you for your perseverance, thank you for your endurance, thank you for your understanding,” he said.
Also read : Tinubu Has Been Fair To All Sections Of Nigeria – FG
A Journey In Perseverance
President while congratulating the new monarch, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former Senator and Former Governor of Oyo State, President Tinubu recalled the political journey of the duo and lauded Ladoja’s perseverance.
“It’s a great honour for me to be here as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to witness your coronation, to witness history, all the things that you’ve started, the deliberations, the expectations, and history that we share.
“I recall the moment in the Senate and the struggle that we had together as a Governor, the history of the impeachment, conquered story, your perseverance, your resilience, your determination, your reliability is impeccable.
The Nigerian leader prayed for long life and prosperity, for the new king, “It’s my prayer that you will live long and be celebrated. It’s one of the rare gems of history to ascend the throne of your forebearers” .
Appreciations
The President expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ibadan for their unwavering support during the 2023 presidential campaign.
He acknowledged members of the class of 1999, Governors at the installation ceremony, including former Governors of Cross River State, Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Osun state, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano state among many others.
A Man of Many Parts
Oba Ladoja, was a former of governor of Oyo state, senator, businessman, chemical engineer, opinion leader and a multilinguist. He speaks Yoruba, English and French languages.
The new king was selected as the 44th Olubadan, following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasheed_Ladoja#Oba_and Olubadan
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