Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, was vibrant with activity on Friday, September 26, as it hosted the much-anticipated coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The historic Mapo Hall served as the central point for the grand ceremony, drawing political leaders, traditional rulers, residents, and visitors who converged from across Nigeria to witness this significant cultural event.

The day began with a heavy security presence, with operatives mounting roadblocks and conducting security sweeps around Mapo Hall. Thousands gathered, decked in vibrant Yoruba traditional attires, their anticipation palpable amidst the rhythmic beat of traditional drums. Among the top dignitaries gracing the occasion were President Bola Tinubu, who arrived by presidential jet at Ibadan Airport around 1:45 p.m., former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. Several serving governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, were also present, with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State serving as the proud host. Other notable attendees included former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye, the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Oluwo of Iwo Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Olugbo of Ugbo Oba Obateru Akinruntan, and the Timi of Edeland Oba Munirudeen Lawal. Olori Ashley Folasade, wife of the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, represented her husband, sitting a seat apart from the Alaafin of Oyo, a detail noted given recent discussions between their palaces.

The ceremony unfolded with traditional rites commencing at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, where Oba Ladoja received the Akoko leaf. He then proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall, where he was welcomed with rousing cheers and songs of praise by popular fuji musician Taye Currency. Islamic prayers were offered by the Chief Imam of Ibadan, Ganiyu Agbotomokekere, and cultural troops thrilled the crowd with traditional dances. The climax of the day saw Governor Seyi Makinde officially presenting the staff and certificate of office to Oba Ladoja around 3:05 p.m., confirming his installation as “His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st.”

Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, 81, ascends the revered Olubadan throne, culminating a remarkable 32-year journey that began when he became Mogaji in the 1980s and Jagun Olubadan on October 1, 1993. This historic coronation marks the first time a former governor and senator has taken the ancient throne of Ibadanland. He succeeded the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7. The Olubadan stool is renowned for its unique and orderly succession system, involving a step-by-step promotion through two alternating chieftaincy lines, a ladder with 36 carefully arranged steps.

Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari, Ladoja's early life was marked by a celebration of his birth, reflecting his grandmother’s standing in the community. He attended Life Mission School, Ibadan Boys High School, and Olivet Baptist High School. A scholarship from the Belgian government enabled him to pursue his childhood dream, earning a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium in 1972. He began his career at Total Oil, spending 13 years before resigning in 1985 to venture into private business, becoming a millionaire by age 40. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to real shipping and to co-found Crystal Bank of Africa, which eventually merged to become part of United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Ladoja’s political journey formally began in 1991, despite his initial reluctance. He was elected senator representing Oyo-south on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform during Nigeria’s Third Republic (1991-1993). In 2003, he successfully contested and won the Oyo state governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His tenure was notably marked by a political crisis, including his impeachment on January 12, 2006, following a fallout with political godfather Lamidi Adedibu. He was reinstated as governor on December 12, 2006, by the Supreme Court, setting a legal precedent in Nigeria. Ladoja accused then-President Olusegun Obasanjo of orchestrating his impeachment due to his refusal to support a controversial third-term bid. Beyond elective politics, he was a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that opposed the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, leading to his exile in the UK, where he received support from figures like Bola Tinubu. In 2023, he was honored with the ‘Unsung June 12 Hero’s Award’. His post-governorship career also saw an 11-year legal battle with the EFCC over corruption allegations, from which he was discharged and acquitted in 2019.

Oba Ladoja is also known for his distinct cultural identity, often referred to as an