Olubadan Designate, Adewolu Rashidi Ladoja, who was a former Governor Of Oyo state fought so many wars, to attain his position as the ruler of Ibadanland
It all started in 2018, after the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said, reviewed the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and eventual promotion of high chiefs and Baales numbering 21 to the status of beaded crown- wearing kings, the action would be extended to other parts of the state, many people especially those who opposed the review, took his comments with a pinch of salt and a prank to make them succumb to the ‘unwanted’ and undue interference with the orderly ascendancy to the Olubadan throne.
The Olubadan Designate Adewolu Ladoja criticised Ajimobi, for legitimising the lawlessness in the state. In his words
Ladoja, who spoke through his media aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, said: “If you check the list of the newly promoted kings, you would notice that the names of Ibadan high chiefs are included and it is a common knowledge that the court has ruled against the review of the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration which the governor used to effect the promotion. The governor used the same review that the court had nullified. As the chief executive law officer of the state, he is not expected to engage in any act of lawlessness because the moment we ignore court judgment, we are inviting anarchy.
“As for other towns and cities whose kings have been promoted, we are not bothered. What we are saying is that he should not have included that of Ibadan because the law does not recognise him to perform the role of crowning kings. It is the sole responsibility of the Olubadan and his council. After their selection, they can forward it to the governor for approval. He should realise that what operates in other towns and cities may not be convenient for us in Ibadan. Ibadan is not like other towns and cities. It has its own unique traditional system”, he said.
The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, a beneficiary of the elevation of high chiefs to beaded crown- wearing king, sees the initiative of the governor as “victory for truth, honesty, dedication and a decision supported worldwide.
However, his statement was used against him when theformer governor left the position of power. Ladoja won the case in court. And he was told to withdraw the case, if he really want to be king.
The whole Oyo populace supported Ladoja to be king, but he turned down the throne, urging the, then Olubadan to withdraw from ten court. It was a gentleman agreement, however.
The king who was ill throughout his tenure was not happy with his decision to take the beaded crown from Governor Ajimobi.
The Olubadan designate is really a man of many facets, who has fought so many wars, and has won them. One interesting fact about him, is that he has never lost a court case. He fought political godfatherism in Ibadan, when he was awkwardly removed by the late Adedibu, who was supported by the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Ladoja came back to his position after 9 months, against all odds to become the executive governor of Oyo State. As a governor he was the best governor of Oyo State, in terms of education empowerment. About 200 chairs were supplied tp every school, every term. Books were free. No one can touch his garment in that regard.
His coronation Has been the talk of the town. President Bola Tinubu will join prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, captains of industry, and thousands of Ibadan sons and daughters to celebrate the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Bola Tinubu will join prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, captains of industry, and thousands of Ibadan sons and daughters to celebrate the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
Unveiling details of the coronation program at a press conference on Saturday, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chairman of the Planning and Organizing Committee, said the week-long activities will reflect the inclusive and rich cultural heritage of Ibadan.
The ancient city of Ibadan will witness history on Friday, September 26, 2025, as former governor of Oyo State and statesman, ascends the throne of his forefathers.
The event, slated for the historic Mapo Hall grounds, has been described as a “momentous cultural and traditional milestone” that will attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
“The coronation ceremony will be the culmination of a week-long series of events, beginning on Monday, September 22.
“We have planned inter-religious prayers, a cultural fiesta, a coronation lecture, and a thanksgiving service. This is not just a traditional rite but a reaffirmation of our unique and timeless chieftaincy system,” Oyero said.
He described the ascension of Oba Ladoja as “a journey of many years, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors,” noting that the former governor’s background as a senator, engineer, businessman, and administrator uniquely positions him to lead Ibadanland into “a new era of progress, peace, and prosperity.”
The program, jointly outlined by the Oyo State Government and the coronation committee, includes: Monday, Sept 22– Interdenominational service at Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
Chief Oyero emphasised that the coronation transcends Ibadan as it symbolizes Yoruba heritage, Nigerian culture, and African pride.
“This event is not just Ibadan’s; it is a celebration of the resilience and cultural identity of our people,” Chief Oyero said.
Chief Oyero, who described Governor Seyi Makinde as “magnanimous and uncommon,” said it was the first time a non-government official would chair the planning committee for the coronation of an Olubadan of Ibadan, adding that the governor has provided everything required to make the weeklong event glamorous.
The committee noted that on Tuesday, Sept 23: Cultural fiesta will be held at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, showcasing Ibadan traditions, music, and arts, while on Wednesday, Sept 24: Coronation lecture by world-renowned scholar, Prof. Toyin Falola, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Thursday, Sept 25, will witness a mega praise and worship concert at Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, coinciding with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday celebration, while on Friday, Sept 26, the grand coronation ceremony will hold at Mapo Hall grounds.
On Sunday, Sept 28, a Thanksgiving service will be held at Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, Ibadan, and the Friday, Oct 3 Special Jumat service at Ojaba Central Mosque will climax the weeklong event.
State government representative, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, in his address, emphasized that elaborate security measures have been put in place.
“Over 2,000 security operatives drawn from the Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and OYRTMA will be deployed to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful coronation,” he said.