Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate will ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on September 26, 2025.
This is as Governor Seyi Makinde formally approved Ladoja’s nomination following his clearance by the Olubadan-in-Council.
His enthronement as the paramount ruler of Ibadan is to hold at the historic Mapo Hall.
Adeola Oloko,media aide to the Olubadan-designate confirming the development said: “Oba Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.”
The state government delegation had on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Ladoja and members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija residence to fine-tune arrangements ahead of the installation.
Ladoja, the ex-governor, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government in which he promised to run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration their opinions.
He held a closed door with members of Olubadan-in-council to formally welcome him back home after been away for the past two and a half months.
The meeting, the first since his return following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, lasted for about two hours.
The delegation led by Oba Kola Adegbola, Otun Balogun, later congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan and observed one minute silence in honour of late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7 when Oba Ladoja was not in Ibadan.
The Olubadan-elect had appreciated the entire members of the council over their unanimous ratification of his candidacy as the next Olubadan, even though he was not at home.
He solicited their support and co-operation in taking Ibadan to the next level.
As for the coronation ceremony, he said, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders, like the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje have an important role to play in the coronation.
Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Olubadan-elect in a statement said “the Olubadan-in council told Oba Ladoja that the public expectation over him was very high,adding that they would continue to pray to God to give him unction to function. They later discussed issues concerning his coronation , especially as it affects cultural and ceremonial.
They envisaged that an unprecedented crowd of people will be attending the coronation, and as such, we should get everything right.
They informed Kabiyesi of their willingness to serve in whatever capacity he so wishes before,during and after coronation.
The Olubadan-in-council present at the meeting were Oba Kola Adegbolaare,Otun Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, Osi Balogun, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi,Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Azeez, Asipa Balogun.
Others were Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, Ekerin Balogun Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin and Sharafadeen Alli High Chief and Ekarun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland, was believed to have sent his apologies for being absent.
Several dignitaries also visited Oba Ladoja which included Wole Oyelese Former Minister, Teslim Folarin,All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Chiefs, business men and community leaders.
However, all roads are expected to lead to Mapo Hall on September 26, when indigenes, dignitaries, and well-wishers will gather to witness the historic installation of Oba Ladoja as the new custodian of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
