Governor Seyi Makinde has formally handed over the staff of office to Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as he was installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at the iconic Mapo Hall.
The ceremony saw the attendance of President Bola Tinubu, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo.
Among the governors present were Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
Other dignitaries included Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power; Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun; and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano; Oyinlola Olagunsoye, former governor of Osun State; a former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and a former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
Also in attendance were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, alongside other federal and state lawmakers.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Ladoja was crowned during a coronation ceremony that was held at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The coronation ceremony started in the early hours of Friday with Ladohha receiving the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba.
Following the conclusion of the traditional coronation rites Ladoja was formally presented the staff of office by Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall.
Recall that Ladoja became Olubadan-designate following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Speaking during the coronation, Oba Ladoja called for the creation of a state of Ibadan.
He directed the request to Tinubu, calling on the President to make the creation of Ibadan State happen before 2027.
Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch said, “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Speaking at the occasion, Makinde said the emergence of Ladoja as the 44th traditional leader of the ancient city is a source of pride to the people of Ibadan.
He said, “It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.
“The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all. I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole.”
