Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is agog as dignitaries from across the South West and beyond converge on Mapo Hall for the historic coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The epoch-making event has drawn an impressive gathering of eminent personalities, political figures, royal fathers, and business leaders, all eager to witness the installation of the former Oyo State governor as the new custodian of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
Among the high-profile guests already seated are former Ogun State governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alongside Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, and Senator Teslim Folarin. Notable royal fathers present include the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup and Elegushi, Kusenla III, Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola, High Chief Kola Daisi, the founder of Kola Daisi University,
Also in attendance are Senator Akintunde Yinus, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, former Minister for Mines and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, former governors of Kano, Osun and Ekiti States, Mohammed Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Olagunsoye Olyinlola, and John Kayode Fayemi, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife representing Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi – Ojaja II; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dauda Akinola; and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Engr Jubril Sanusi, a philanthropist, Professor Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director, UCH Hospital.
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja and Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, former First Lady of the state and one of the wives of the new Olubadan, are among the dignitaries gracing the occasion. Members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, executives of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by its president, Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyii Ajewole, and representatives of various professional bodies are also present to pay homage.
The coronation ceremony is ongoing, with traditional rites, cultural performances, and special prayers forming part of the proceedings. Thousands of residents, indigenes, and well-wishers continue to throng Mapo Hall, turning the ancient city into a vibrant sea of celebration as Ibadan officially crowns Oba Ladoja as its 44th monarch.
