Historic Day in Ibadan — The Coronation of the 44th Olubadan

Historic Day in Ibadan — The Coronation of the 44th Olubadan

In a ceremony marked by solemnity, pageantry, and tradition, Ibadan today witnessed the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The sacred rites and public celebration reflect not only the reverence for traditional institutions in Yoruba land, but also the evolving role of kingship in modern Nigeria.

The event took place at the iconic Mapo Hall, where dignitaries, monarchs, political heavyweights, and thousands of Ibadan residents gathered to witness the installation. Top traditional rulers such as the Oluwo of Iwo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and Alaafin of Oyo graced the occasion, affirming the pan-Yoruba solidarity of the event.

At the heart of the ritual, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola of the Labosinde Compound, placed Akoko leaves on Ladoja’s head — a traditional recognition that precedes enthronement. Following that, the monarch proceeded through final rites at Ose Meji and other shrines before taking his seat as Olubadan.

The coronation also highlighted a symbolic touch: the unveiling of a rotating statue of Oba Ladoja in full regal attire, a gesture that drew admiration from attendees and represented the convergence of tradition and spectacle.

At 81 years old, Rashidi Ladoja becomes the first former governor to ascend the Olubadan stool. His political career includes serving as governor of Oyo State and as a senator making his path to traditional rulership a remarkable journey.

His rise is also the product of the unique Olubadan succession system, a ladder-based chieftaincy promotion structure that ensures orderly progression and seniority. Ladoja’s elevation follows the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025, after a brief reign.

Observers have remarked on the irony and poignancy of his route to the throne: a man steeped in politics now entrusted with a spiritual and cultural mantle. Yet this dual identity may also serve Ibadan well, as it bridges traditional authority and modern governance.

The coronation extends beyond a ceremonial spectacle. It is a statement of cultural continuity and symbolic leadership in a time when Nigeria grapples with questions of identity, governance, and communal cohesion. The presence of top government figures, including governors and political elites, underscores the event’s national resonance.

Security was tight, with the deployment of police, military, and intelligence services across Ibadan to manage the influx of visitors and dignitaries. The city’s arteries from Total Garden to Mapo, Beere to Gate were congested with celebrants and onlookers.

Over the past week, Ibadan played host to a suite of pre-coronation events: public lectures led by renowned academics (including a session by Professor Toyin Falola), cultural parades, masquerade displays, and interfaith prayer sessions. These built a crescendo of anticipation for Friday’s crowning.

With the crown now in place, Oba Ladoja inherits both ceremonial prestige and the heavy expectations of a metropolis that demands progress. Among the challenges he will face: balancing tradition with modern requirements of urban planning, social equity, and community leadership.

Critics may question whether a political figure can transition into a unifier of diverse interests. But proponents argue that Ladoja’s experience and network could inject new vitality into the Olubadan institution.

The coronation also raises questions about how traditional systems adapt to changing times whether they become static symbols or active agents in local governance, culture, and community cohesion.

Ibadan’s coronation of the 44th Olubadan is more than a pageant; it is a living narrative of identity, leadership, and continuity. In a nation that often wrestles with disconnection and fragmentation, today’s ceremony in Mapo Hall is a reminder that tradition still holds power not just as a relic, but as a potential anchor in uncertain times.

As Oba Ladoja dons the beaded crown and steps into his new role, all eyes will be on how he marries dignity with relevance, ritual with reality, and legacy with leadership.