THE ancient city of Ibadan is set to witness another historic royal transition as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, will be formally crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Reliable sources confirmed to News Point Nigeria that the state governor, Seyi Makinde, has given his approval for the coronation, setting the stage for what promises to be a grand cultural celebration at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan’s iconic traditional seat of power.
A high-powered delegation from the state government on Wednesday visited the Bodija residence of the Olubadan-designate, where final arrangements were discussed with Ladoja and members of the Olubadan-In-Council.
Confirming the development, Adeola Oloko, media aide to Oba Ladoja, told reporters that preparations are in top gear for the coronation.
“Oba Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025. The ceremony is billed to take place at Mapo Hall,” he stated.
It would be recalled that on Tuesday, the Olubadan-designate met with the city’s kingmakers, further cementing his smooth path to the throne.
The Olubadan stool, regarded as one of the most respected and orderly traditional institutions in Nigeria, operates a unique rotational succession system between the two royal lines, the Otun and Balogun.
Unlike many other Yoruba kingdoms, the ascension to the Olubadan throne is rarely disputed, making it a model of peaceful transition.
Oba Ladoja, who served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, is a prominent statesman, respected businessman, and seasoned politician.
His enthronement is expected to further solidify the Olubadan stool as both a custodian of Ibadan’s cultural heritage and an influential voice in national affairs.
Preparations for the coronation are already sparking excitement across Ibadanland and beyond, with expectations that the ceremony will draw traditional rulers, political leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and Ibadan indigenes from across the world.
The event at Mapo Hall is anticipated to showcase the rich heritage of Ibadan, including traditional drumming, cultural displays, and homage from chiefs and subjects.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on the ancient city, which is set to usher in a new era under the leadership of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.