Prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland have described the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as a historic and joyous milestone for the ancient city, calling for unity, development, and greater political recognition for the people.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony held on Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Agbaoye Kola Kareem described the event as a divine blessing to the people of Ibadan and Nigeria as a whole.
“This day is a blessing to Ibadan and the first of many great things to come. Today is a joyous day and a blessing to the sons and daughters of Ibadanland and Nigeria in general,” Kareem said.
Also speaking, Oloye Ajeniyi Ajewole expressed gratitude to God for witnessing the historic occasion and appreciated President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries who attended the coronation. He expressed confidence that Oba Ladoja’s reign would usher in unprecedented development for Ibadanland.
“We give glory to God. We thank President Tinubu and all those who came to grace this occasion. I have no doubt that the reign of our new Olubadan will witness remarkable development,” Ajewole said.
In his goodwill message, Oloye Bayo Oyero offered prayers for the new monarch and extended appreciation to the chiefs and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the ceremony.
He described the event as a unique chapter in the history of Ibadan and seized the opportunity to advocate for the creation of Ibadan State.
“This is a unique ceremony in the history of our city. Ibadan has all it takes to become a state, abundant human and material resources as well as numerous educational institutions. Mr. President, we are calling on you to create Ibadan State; it can take off immediately,” Oyero declared.
He also lamented the prolonged division among Yoruba traditional rulers, noting that the Council of Obas had not convened since 2011 due to supremacy tussles currently before the court.
He called for a united Yoruba front and advocated for a Yoruba people that would not be dominated by any tribe.
The coronation of Oba Ladoja marks a new era in the history of Ibadan, with hopes high that his reign will foster development, unity, and stronger political recognition for the people of the city and the Yoruba nation.
