Olayiwola Matthew
Ibadan witnessed a historic moment on Friday as former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The ancient city came to a standstill as residents and dignitaries gathered to mark the significant traditional transition.
In the early hours of the day, Ibadan’s usual activities were suspended, as markets and numerous private businesses shut down operations to honour the coronation. The atmosphere across the city took on a ceremonial tone, with many residents treating the day as a de facto public holiday. Those unable to attend the event in person tuned in via television and radio broadcasts.
The coronation ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall, attracted a large turnout from within and outside Nigeria. The venue was filled beyond capacity, as dignitaries, guests, and traditional rulers converged on the iconic site. Security operatives worked to manage the crowd, which swelled with citizens eager to witness the occasion firsthand.
Reports from across the city indicated that hotel occupancy surged in the days leading up to the event. Observers noted that nearly all hotels in Ibadan, both large and boutique, were fully booked. The influx of visitors underscored the national and international significance attached to the coronation of Oba Ladoja.
Among the prominent guests expected was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was scheduled to lead a delegation of political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, and cultural figures. Also in attendance were governors, ministers, lawmakers, and notable personalities from different regions and countries.
The installation of Oba Ladoja has been described as one of the most notable events in Ibadan’s recent history. The new monarch, known for his political background, modesty, and bridge-building qualities, is widely regarded as a respected figure within and beyond the city. His ascension is seen as a moment of pride not only for Ibadan but also for the wider Yoruba community and Nigeria as a whole.
For many indigenes of Ibadan, including those in the diaspora, the crowning of Oba Rashidi Ladoja signals the beginning of a new era in the city’s storied leadership tradition. The coronation has been received with a strong sense of unity, celebration, and cultural pride across Ibadanland.