Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, came alive in pomp and pageantry on Friday as former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, ascended the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland as the 44th monarch.
The day began with sacred rites at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, where Ladoja was adorned with the symbolic Akoko leaf — a traditional mark of authority — before proceeding to the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, where he was officially crowned.
All roads then led to the iconic Mapo Hall, where Governor Seyi Makinde is set to present the new monarch with the staff of office, sealing his transition from statesman to custodian of Ibadan’s centuries-old heritage.
The installation ceremony drew an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political heavyweights, and religious leaders. Among them were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi Tèlú 1; former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; and the Chief Imam of Ibadan, all joining in the historic moment.
Dressed in resplendent aso-oke and other colorful attires, indigenes and well-wishers thronged the ancient city, singing, dancing, and drumming to celebrate the enthronement of their new king. Security was tight, with personnel from the Nigerian Army, DSS, and police ensuring a hitch-free occasion.
Ladoja succeeds Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025, leaving behind a throne admired for its orderly and transparent system of succession, a tradition that continues to stand Ibadan out in Nigeria’s chieftaincy institution.
For many residents, the coronation is not only a new chapter for the ancient city but also a symbolic union of politics and tradition, as Ladoja brings his wealth of governance experience into his new role as the father of Ibadanland.