The city of Ibadan recently hosted a landmark event: the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. This significant occasion, steeped in rich traditional rites and graced by the presence of President Bola Tinubu, marked a pivotal moment for the ancient city, drawing national attention and reinforcing its cherished heritage.

Leading up to the formal coronation, Oba Ladoja diligently completed all requisite traditional rites at the sacred Osemeji shrine in Oja'ba. These ancestral ceremonies, fundamental to the ascension of an Olubadan, were meticulously overseen by the Abore of Ibadanland, ensuring every custom was precisely observed in preparation for his new role.

A central moment of the day's proceedings was the highly anticipated arrival of President Bola Tinubu. The President's aircraft touched down at Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan at precisely 1:45 PM. He was warmly received by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who had earlier proceeded to the airport to welcome him. Governor Makinde was accompanied by a distinguished entourage, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, various federal and state lawmakers, and numerous other prominent government functionaries and notable politicians from across the political spectrum. Following the reception, President Tinubu and his full entourage proceeded directly to the historic Mapo Hall, the grand venue designated for the coronation ceremony.

At Mapo Hall, an impressive gathering of esteemed traditional rulers awaited President Tinubu's arrival to formally commence the ceremony. Among these respected figures were Oba Akeem Owoade, Oba Olaoye Ghandi (the Soun of Ogbomoso), Oba Rasheed Akanbi (the Oluwo of Iwo), and Oba Akinruntan (the Olugbo of Igbo), alongside a multitude of other dignitaries. The climax of the coronation saw Governor Seyi Makinde officially present the Staff of Office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a symbolic act that solidified his reign as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In his powerful and culturally resonant acceptance speech, delivered in the Yoruba language, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja seized the momentous opportunity to address President Bola Tinubu directly. He conveyed a crucial message from the people of Ibadanland: an earnest and pressing appeal for the swift creation of Ibadan State before the year 2027, emphatically stating this as their utmost priority and profound collective desire. This call highlighted the aspirations of his community for greater administrative autonomy and development.

Responding to the occasion, Governor Seyi Makinde expressed deep pride in Oba Ladoja's emergence, describing it as a significant source of honor for the ancient city. He particularly lauded the well-established and now uncontested succession process to the throne of Olubadan, which he noted had become a source of collective pride for all. The Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to the new Olubadan, the esteemed Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire populace of Ibadanland. He concluded his remarks by offering fervent prayers for Oba Ladoja's reign to usher in an era of lasting peace, profound unity, and unprecedented progress and prosperity for both Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole, looking forward to a period of positive transformation under his leadership.