The enthronement of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladojaa, Arusa I, as the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has been described as a good development that would further strengthen traditional institutions in the country.
Oba Ladoja received the staff and certificate of office as the 44th Olubadan on Friday from Governor Seyi Makinde, an event witnessed by eminent personalities across the country, including President Bola Tinubu, Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; Lucky Ayedatiwa, Ondo; Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti; and their former counterparts in Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Cross River, Donald Duke; Ondo, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and two from Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun, among others.
Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III led other top monarchs like the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by his wife, Olori Ashley; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi; Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi; Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan; etc to grace the historic occasion held at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
In their messages to the monarch made available to our correspondent in Abuja, Ambassador Bolowei Ogoba and Dr Samantha Simeon described Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne as a unifying milestone and a moment of pride not only for Ibadan, but also for the entire Yoruba race.
Bolowei, who is the Chief Executive of Bolowei World’s Limited, particularly hailed the new monarch as a leader whose rich political experience and deep love for his people would further strengthen the traditional institution.
“I extend my heartfelt message to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his well-deserved coronation. This is a historic moment not only for the people of Ibadan but also for Africa and the world. Kabiyesi’s leadership and wisdom will no doubt uplift the city to greater heights,” he stated.
Bolowei also offered prayers for the longevity of the new monarch, expressing optimism that his reign would bring positive transformation and greater recognition to the ancient city.
On her own, Dr Samantha praised Oba Ladoja’s pedigree as a statesman, noting that his enthronement would foster peace, development, and cultural preservation.
She described the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to his people, adding that “his leadership and commitment to unity and progress will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity.”
“The coronation of Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and senator of the Federal Republic, marks a significant chapter in Ibadan’s traditional history. He succeeded Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
“At 81, Oba Ladoja brings decades of political, business, and community leadership to the throne, having risen through the traditional chieftaincy hierarchy to attain the apex seat,” she said.
Oba Ladoja’s enthronement will strengthen traditional institution – Bolowei, Samantha