AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was agog on Friday as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on the historic Mapo Hall for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led an array of prominent personalities at the colourful ceremony, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
The day’s rituals began at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed the traditional rite of placing Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head.
The monarch then embarked on a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new Olubadan, who succeeded the late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in July.
The coronation was also witnessed by first-class monarchs including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; and the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, among others.
Several lawmakers and political associates, such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, and Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, were also in attendance.
Oba Ladoja’s ascension is regarded as historic, given his towering political influence and long journey in the Ibadan chieftaincy succession line spanning over three decades.
Born on September 25, 1944, Oba Ladoja studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium, and worked with Total Nigeria and other oil and gas firms before venturing into business and politics.
He governed Oyo State between 2003 and 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party and now, at 81, has mounted the revered throne of Ibadanland.
