Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, has officially ascended to the ancient throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, marking a significant and historic event in the city’s rich cultural journey. His coronation, which took place yesterday, was the culmination of a 32-year journey through the traditional Yoruba chieftaincy system, beginning when he became a Mogaji, the head of his extended family compound, and climbing 22 steps to the Olubadan title. This moment was met with widespread jubilation from indigenes and admirers, who view his emergence not merely as the crowning of a monarch but as an affirmation of Ibadan’s enduring heritage, patience, destiny, and cultural pride.

The stool of Olubadan, established in the 19th century, is distinguished by a unique merit-based rotational succession system that alternates between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) chieftaincy lines. This system ensures that experienced, seasoned leaders from any social class can ascend through the chieftaincy ladder to become the paramount ruler, symbolizing Ibadan’s cultural unity, continuity, and rich traditions. This centuries-old tradition is widely recognized as one of the most orderly and rancour-free systems in Yorubaland, a feature that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State highlighted as a source of immense pride, stating that the succession process is now well-established and free from contestation.

President Bola Tinubu led a distinguished array of prominent Nigerians to witness the coronation and presentation of staff of office to Oba Ladoja. Attendees included serving governors like Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); former governors such as Donald Duke, Olusegun Mimiko, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senator Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun; and first-class traditional rulers including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, with the Ooni of Ife represented by his wife, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi. The event, held at the legendary Mapo Hall, underscored the weight of cultural affirmation and the political significance of Ibadan as the political and spiritual capital of the Yoruba nation.

In his speech, President Tinubu congratulated Oba Ladoja, describing his ascension as a historic moment and expressing his prayers for the monarch's long life and continued relevance in the institutions of democracy and Obaship in Nigeria. The President also took the opportunity to thank the people of Ibadanland for their support during his 2023 presidential bid, reminiscing about his visit to Oke Mopo where he popularized the Yoruba phrase 'Emi l’okan' (it is my turn). He drew a parallel between Oba Ladoja’s 32-year journey to the throne and his own path to the presidency, framing both as ‘emilokan’ moments marked by perseverance and destiny. President Tinubu also delivered a hopeful message regarding the nation’s economy, assuring Nigerians that the pain and suffering from economic reforms would soon be over, as “our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel.”

Oba Ladoja, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, whom he described as his brother and friend. He seized the occasion to make a significant request to the President, calling for the creation of an Ibadan State before 2027, an assignment he stated was given to him by the people of Ibadanland. The monarch also issued a stern warning to traditional title holders in Ibadanland against engaging in malpractices such as snatching people’s wives and lands, vowing to ensure the full weight of the law is brought against offenders. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa with all his power, affirming that he accepted not just the paraphernalia of office but also the profound responsibilities attached to it.

The coronation carried personal resonance for President Tinubu, as it brought full circle a bond forged two decades ago. In 2003, when then-President Olusegun Obasanjo orchestrated Oba Ladoja’s illegal impeachment, it was Tinubu, then Governor of Lagos, who stood against the assault on democracy, offering refuge and political cover that enabled Ladoja to successfully fight his way back through the courts. This deep connection highlights Tinubu's commitment to tradition and his enduring relationship with Yoruba political figures. The event in Ibadan served as a reaffirmation of Tinubu’s bond with his South West base, symbolizing that his politics remains grounded in the values of loyalty, patience, and cultural continuity. Ibadan, a city of immense historical, political, and cultural weight, once again showcased its unique identity, offering a lesson in Yoruba resilience, heritage, and leadership to the world.