Tinubu links Olubadan Coronation to ‘Emi l’okan’ struggle, congratulates Oba Ladoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday turned the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland into both a cultural celebration and a moment of political reflection, recalling how Ibadan stood firmly behind him during his 2023 presidential campaign.
Speaking at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, President Tinubu thanked the people of the city for their solidarity when he popularised the now-famous Yoruba phrase “Emi l’okan” (it is my turn) in 2022. According to him, Ibadan was not just a campaign stop but a fortress of support that contributed significantly to his eventual victory at the polls.
“I greet the people of Ibadan. Congratulations on the coronation of your new king. May this God-given joy never turn into sorrow, and may prosperity follow your children. I once came here to seek your support, to tell you ‘Emi lo’kan’, it is my turn, and today, by God’s grace, we are there. Thank you very much,” Tinubu said to loud applause.
The President described Ladoja’s elevation as a historic event that blends tradition with Nigeria’s democratic journey, adding that the new Olubadan’s reign would be remembered as one of wisdom and progress.
“It is a great honour for me, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to witness this coronation. You ascend not just the throne of your forefathers but also a place in history as a rare gem. May your reign bring joy, prosperity, and relevance to Ibadanland and Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He also used the occasion to acknowledge the presence of former governors Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ibikunle Amosun, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing them as part of the tapestry of Nigeria’s democratic history.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, noting that Ibadan’s unique succession system has once again provided a seamless transition free of disputes.
“The coronation of Oba Adewolu Ladoja is a source of pride to Ibadanland. Our succession process is orderly and uncontested, and this is a model for traditional institutions across Nigeria,” Makinde said. He expressed hope that the new monarch’s reign would usher in peace, unity, and progress for both Ibadanland and Oyo State.
With the coronation, Ibadan once again asserted its place as a city where politics, history, and tradition converge, a city that gave Nigeria not only a new monarch but also, in Tinubu’s words, a vital push toward the presidency.
