Rashidi Ladoja Crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland Amid Prayers and Traditional Rites
Former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was on Friday officially crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, in a colorful ceremony that blended tradition with spirituality.
The coronation took place at the Ose Meji Temple, located in the Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, where Muslim and Christian clerics offered special prayers for the new monarch.
Their blessings, according to community leaders, were meant to usher in peace, wisdom, and prosperity throughout his reign.
As part of the traditional rites, Oba Ladoja had earlier in the day received the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, Ibadan.
This ritual, deeply rooted in Ibadan’s cultural heritage, is considered a vital step in confirming the legitimacy of a new Olubadan.
The event drew large crowds of residents, traditional chiefs, and cultural enthusiasts, many of whom described the installation of Ladoja as a historic moment for Ibadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally present the monarch with the staff of office and official instruments of authority at Mapo Hall.
The state government has assured that the ceremony will be a grand affair, attended by dignitaries, political leaders, and traditional rulers from across Nigeria.
With his ascension, Oba Ladoja succeeds Oba Lekan Balogun, continuing a royal lineage that remains one of the most respected in Yorubaland.
Many indigenes have expressed hope that his reign will bring unity, development, and further cultural pride to the ancient city.
