Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, at the Mapo Hall Arcade, Ibadan.
The governor declared that all challenges associated with the Ibadan chieftaincy succession process had been resolved, adding that the Olubadan traditional system remains sacrosanct and must be upheld.
Makinde, who performed the presentation before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prayed that the reign of Oba Ladoja would usher in peace, unity, and development for Ibadanland.
He said:
> “I want to say that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institutions are now over and behind us. The tradition, the succession and process are now sacrosanct. Today, history was literally made as the President landed at the Ibadan Airport with the first wide-bodied aircraft ever to land there. This shows that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments.”
President Tinubu, in his goodwill message, congratulated Oba Ladoja and described his resilience and perseverance as remarkable. He recalled their days together in the Senate as well as Ladoja’s political travails, praying for his success on the throne.
Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, also congratulated the new monarch, describing his ascension as the peak of a resilient journey.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja thanked President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, and all dignitaries for their support. He pledged to dedicate his reign to service, urban renewal, and the progress of Ibadan, Oyo State, Yorubaland, Nigeria, and Africa.
The monarch also renewed calls for the creation of Ibadan State, appealing to President Tinubu to make it a reality before 2027.
> “This staff of office is a source of joy to all Ibadan sons and daughters. One year ago, some thought Ibadan would scatter, but we are here today in unity and oneness. Since God has spared me to attain the throne at 81, all that remains for me is to serve humanity to the best of my ability,” the new Olubadan declared.
The coronation was attended by dignitaries including Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, FIRS Chairman Dr Zacch Adedeji, former governors across the country, prominent royal fathers including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
Also present were Oyo State First Lady, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde, members of the state executive council, lawmakers, service commanders, religious leaders, and representatives of Ibadan indigenes.
The event was described by speakers as historic and a blessing to Ibadanland.
