A historic day in Ibadan
On Friday, 26 September 2025, the city of Ibadan witnessed a scene rarely seen in modern Nigeria: the crowning of its 44th traditional ruler. The Olubadan coronation was staged inside the iconic Mapo Hall, drawing crowds that spilled onto the surrounding streets, their whistles and chants echoing through the historic quarter. Security personnel from the Oyo State Government formed a tight cordon, a clear signal that the event was being treated with the highest level of vigilance.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in a motorcade, making his presence one of the most talked‑about moments of the day. While his attendance underscored the political weight of the occasion, it also highlighted the deep‑rooted respect that the Nigerian federation still holds for its indigenous institutions. Alongside the President, a parade of senior Yoruba monarchs – the Oluwo of Iwo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Alaafin of Oyo – marched in unison, a visual testament to the unity among the region’s royal houses.
The cultural programme blended age‑old customs with a touch of modern flair. Talking drums rolled out a rhythmic backdrop, while praise singers invoked the spirits of Ibadan’s ancestors, reminding onlookers that today’s celebration was anchored in centuries of tradition. When Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja entered the hall, he did so in a polished Rolls‑Royce, a detail that sparked conversation about the evolving symbolism of royalty.
The man behind the throne and what his reign may mean
Rashidi Ladoja’s path to the stool was anything but accidental. He entered the Ibadan chieftaincy ladder as a junior chief and, following the city’s unique rotational succession system, rose step by step through the ranks of the Olubadan hierarchy. At each stage he earned the respect of his peers, a process that can take decades and requires both political savvy and community service.
Beyond his traditional credentials, Ladoja brings an extensive public‑service résumé. He served two terms as governor of Oyo State, where he earned a reputation for infrastructure projects that linked rural towns to market hubs. Later, as a senator, he sat on committees dealing with education and internal affairs, advocating for policies that aimed to reduce unemployment among young Nigerians. His business ventures, ranging from agro‑processing to telecommunications, have added a layer of entrepreneurial experience that few monarchs possess.
Analysts suggest that his dual background could reshape how the Olubadan palace interacts with government agencies. The new monarch is expected to act as a bridge, using his political network to lobby for federal projects that benefit Ibadan while preserving the cultural autonomy of the throne. Moreover, his philanthropic record – scholarships for under‑privileged youths and health‑care outreach programmes – signals a likely continuation of community‑focused initiatives under his reign.
The coronation was preceded by the inaugural Olubadan Coronation Lecture, an academic gathering that brought scholars of Yoruba culture, historians, and other traditional rulers together. Papers presented covered topics from the evolution of the Olubadan institution to its role in contemporary conflict resolution. The lecture set a tone of intellectual reflection, ensuring that the festivities were accompanied by thoughtful discourse on the relevance of monarchy in the 21st century.
While the atmosphere was festive, there was an undercurrent of solemnity. Just two months earlier, the city mourned the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, whose death left a void in the community. The new monarch’s ascension therefore carried the weight of honoring his predecessor’s legacy while charting a fresh course for the future.
As the week‑long celebrations wind down, the streets of Ibadan remain vibrant with music, dance, and market stalls selling commemorative items. Residents speak of renewed hope, believing that the blend of tradition and modern leadership embodied by the newly crowned ruler could usher in a period of stability and growth for the city.
