It was a historic day in Ibadan on Friday as the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The colourful ceremony, which took place at the iconic Mapo Hall in the heart of the city, drew dignitaries from across the country, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was present to witness the occasion.
Speaking during the presentation, Governor Makinde described the event as a significant moment not only for Ibadanland but also for the entire Oyo State. He praised Oba Ladoja’s contributions to the state, both as a traditional ruler and as a former governor.
“This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of the people, and in the presence of God,” Makinde said.
Invoking the authority granted to him by law, the governor officially presented the staff of office at exactly 3:05 p.m., declaring:
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I. This is in confirmation of his appointment as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I so present.”
Oba Ladoja, a former senator and one-time governor of Oyo State, has long been a respected figure in the political and traditional circles of the state. His ascension to the Olubadan throne marks a significant chapter in the city’s history.
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is known for its unique and respected traditional leadership system, where succession to the Olubadan throne follows a strictly defined hierarchy. Oba Ladoja’s emergence follows years of steady progression through the chieftaincy line.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and a large number of Ibadan indigenes who turned out in celebration of their new monarch.
With the official presentation of the staff of office, Oba Ladoja now fully assumes his role as the spiritual and cultural head of Ibadanland.
