Former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, will on Friday, September 26, 2025, be crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Governor Seyi Makinde has given formal approval for his installation, which will take place at the historic Mapo Hall, a symbolic venue for the ancient city’s traditional and political gatherings.
A delegation from the state government, on Wednesday, visited Ladoja and members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija residence to fine-tune plans for the event. His media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, confirmed the date, noting that all arrangements were already in motion.
The Olubadan-designate had also held a private meeting with the kingmakers at his Old Bodija home on Tuesday, the first since the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. The deliberation reportedly lasted about two hours.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, has congratulated Ladoja on his confirmation, describing him as a monarch whose reign would combine royalty with statesmanship.
Ogundoyin praised Makinde for swiftly endorsing the nomination, saying it demonstrated respect for Ibadan’s long-standing chieftaincy tradition. He also hailed the city’s succession system as “one of the most peaceful and organised royal transitions in Nigeria.”
Highlighting Ladoja’s political and leadership experience as a former governor, senator, and elder statesman, the Speaker expressed confidence that Ibadanland would enter a new era of unity, stability, and development under the incoming Olubadan.
