The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the forthcoming ascension of the former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, as a turning point in Yoruba traditional leadership.
Oba Ogunwusi stated this on Sunday during a historic visit to the Olubadan-designate at his Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Ooni noted that Oba Ladoja’s wealth of experience, calmness, and depth of wisdom were needed now more than ever to strengthen unity among Yoruba monarchs and promote the cultural values of the people.
“Oba Ladoja is not just a leader; he is a father figure whose ascension to the throne represents a critical turning point for Yoruba traditional leadership. Ibadan is not just another Yoruba city. It is a cradle of strength and resilience. Some Oonis once stayed here, and that places this land in an enviable spiritual and cultural position,” he said.
The monarch urged traditional rulers to shun rivalry, backbiting, and unhealthy tussles for supremacy, warning that division among the royal stools would undermine the heritage of the Yoruba people.
“We cannot afford division among ourselves. If we fail to unite, we fail our ancestors and our people. Let us build, not break. Let us lead by example and leave legacies of peace and dignity,” the Ooni cautioned.
In his remarks, Oba Ladoja, who is scheduled to be installed as the 44th Olubadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, following the passage of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, described the Ooni’s visit as both historic and spiritually significant.
The former governor commended Oba Ogunwusi for his consistent role as a unifier of Yoruba monarchs, urging him to sustain the effort for the collective growth of Yorubaland.
“I want to use this opportunity to urge the Ooni to continue in his role as a unifier among Yoruba monarchs. His influence is beyond Ile-Ife; it spreads across Yorubaland, and we must tap into that for the growth of our people,” Oba Ladoja said.
He revealed that the Ooni had long expressed support for his ascension to the throne, even before the demise of his predecessor, adding that divine providence had now made it possible.
“He wanted me to become Olubadan four years ago, but I told him then that it is only God who places one on the throne at the right time. Today, I am grateful to God and also to Kabiyesi Ooni for standing by me in my most trying times,” Ladoja recalled.
The Olubadan-designate further called on Yoruba traditional rulers to unite as a first step towards ensuring political stability and cultural development in Yorubaland.
“All the governors that have visited me have been emphasising the unity of Yorubaland, and the unity of Yorubaland must start with the unity of the Yoruba traditional rulers first, because if the traditional rulers are united, the political class will not be able to manipulate us,” he stressed.
He also charged Ibadan Mogajis to confront the menace of drug abuse in their domains and warned erring Baales against betraying their communities.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the coronation ceremony of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
