Excitement as Ladoja is installed 44th Olubadan

• Tinubu, Makinde, others honour new Olubadan

• Ladoja asks for creation of Ibadan State

By Oluseye Ojo

Excitement filled the air in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday as a former senator and ex-governor of the state,  Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, was installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led an array of eminent personalities, as well as illustrious sons and distinguished daughters of Ibadan to the colourful, historic ceremony.

The traffic standstill was experienced in almost every part of Ibadan metropolis, including Molete, Idi-Arere, Oke-Ado, Ita-Merin, Oje, Agodi-Gate, Idi-Ape, and Iwo Road.

The excitement was visible in every family compound visited by this reporter in Ibadan city. Small tents with musical band and a lot of food were noticed from Mapo to Idi-Arere, Molete to Ibadan Grammar, Idi-Arere to Popoyemoja, and Born Photo to Isale-Osi.

The activities around the coronation started a week ago and its grand finale was held at Mapo Hall Arcade at the centre of Ibadan, with a large crowd.

The security operatives, who were heavily mobilised to the venue had a hectic time controlling the human traffic that stormed the venue.

The list of serving governors in attendance comprised Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State.

Some of the ex-governors that served when Ladoja was also the governor in Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 also graced the occasion. They include Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State, Donald Duke of Cross Rivers State, Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, and Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State.

Also on the roll call were the former governor of Kano State, Musa Kwakwanso; Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji.

Also, the three senators from Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), and Fatai Buhari (Oyo North) were also in attendance.

The deputy governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal; wife of Oyo State governor, Tamunominini Makinde; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Chairman of the coronation committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, also graced the event.

Royal fathers in attendance included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Olawale Oyebola.

In his address, President Tinubu commended Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.  He particularly acknowledged his resilience and determination.

He noted that Ladoja’s perseverance through challenges, including his removal as Oyo State governor and subsequent reinstatement, showcased his courage and dogged spirit.

Tinubu described Ladoja as a renowned businessman and reliable statesman as he appreciated the people of Ibadan for their support for his election in 2023. He referenced his popular ‘Emi lokan slogan.

Tinubu prayed for Ladoja’s reign to be long, prosperous, and impactful, ushering in lasting peace, unity, and progress for Ibadanland and Oyo State.

The President also described the coronation as a historic moment, reflecting the enduring legacy of Yoruba tradition and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“Today is an exciting day. once again, Happy Birthday to you. It is a great honour for me to be here to witness history and your coronation as the 44th Olubadan. It is a great honour for me to witness a moment of history that you ascend the throne of your forebears. It is my prayer that you will live long on the throne,” Tinubu stated.

He added that the economy of Nigeria is improving and assured the people that it would continue to improve.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officially presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Ladoja at 3:05pm confirming him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The presentation marked the final step in legitimising his ascension to the throne.

‘In front of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by subsections one and two of Section 20 of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume One, the Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000, and by virtue of all powers…, I hereby present the staff of office to His Imperial Majesty, my father, senator, (ex)governor, Oba Rashid Ajewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1.

“This is in confirmation of the Part II recognised status of the 44th Olubadan, I so present.”

Oba Ladoja, in his acceptance speech expressed gratitude to Tinubu for honouring him with his presence. He reiterated his call for the creation of Ibadan State.

Ladoja, who spoke in Yoruba language, was optimistic that the President could make it a reality, even before 2027. He added that the request for Ibadan State was a message of all Ibadan indigenes to Tinubu.

The new Olubadan also stated that the era of wearing royal beads alone and snatching other people’s wives by monarchs has gone. According to him, “the era we are now is for kings to serve their people, bring developments to their kingdoms, and progress to their people.

Ladoja noted that his installation as Mogaji 33 years ago, was attended by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who was to be the president of Nigeria. He added with joy that his official installation as the 44th Olubadan was also graced by the sitting president of the country, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He also acknowledged the role played by the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, saying he played a significant role in his promotion from Mogaji to Jagun Olubadan in 1993. Adedibu was instrumental to his impeachment in 2006 before he was reinstated by the Supreme Court after eleven months out of office.

Ladoja promised that his reign would witness proactive steps to ensure gainful employment for the youth

Governor Makinde, in his remarks, described Oba Ladoja’s ascension as “a fulfilment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage.”

He emphasised that the installation is a unifying moment for the people of Ibadanland.

Makinde used the occasion to announce that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institution was over and have been left behind.

“This means that the process is now sacrosanct. History was literally made today. The president landed at Ibadan Airport. It’s the first wide body aircraft to land in Ibadan,” Makinde stated.

Prior to his official installation at Mapo Hall Arcade, Ladoja had in the morning carried out traditional rites.

He was seen arriving at the Osemeji shrine in a luxurious white Rolls-Royce. The high-end vehicle was a gift from Kola Karim, a prominent businessman and the Agba Oye of Ibadanland, who presented it to Ladoja ahead of his coronation.