Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan designate, will take the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025, during a coronation ceremony held at the historic Mapo Hall. This came after Governor Seyi Makinde approved Ladoja’s nomination, paving the way for his installation as the capital of Oyo State’s paramount ruler, Ibadan.
In order to finalize preparations for the installation, a state government delegation was reported to have paid Ladoja and Olubadan-in-Council members a courtesy call at his Bodija home on Wednesday.
“Oba Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025,” confirmed Chief Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan-designate’s media aide.
Earlier on Tuesday, the kingmakers met behind closed doors at the former governor of Oyo State’s private home on Ondo Street in Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government. The two-hour gathering was the first since Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the immediate previous monarch, passed away.
Adebo Ogundoyin, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, congratulated Ladoja yesterday on his official confirmation and approval as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland before to the enthronement.
“Ibadanland will see a new era of peace, wisdom, and advancement under Oba Ladoja’s rule”, according to Ogundoyin, who called his ascension a historic event that combines monarchy, expertise, and statesmanship.
The speaker praised Governor Seyi Makinde for preserving the beloved custom of the Ibadan chieftaincy structure and for promptly approving the nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council, according to a statement released by his media office.
He also praised the traditional succession process in Ibadan, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most orderly, peaceful, and reliable frameworks for royal transition.
Ogundoyin also recognized Oba Ladoja’s outstanding contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria overall, stating that Ibadanland’s development and cultural standing would be greatly enhanced by his extensive background as a former governor, senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, successful politician, and elder statesman.
