The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Friday, November 7, 2025, elevated five High Chiefs on the Otun Olubadan line to their next traditional ranks in accordance with the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law.
The newly promoted High Chiefs are Oba Eddy Oyewole, who now assumes the title of Otun Olubadan; Oba Kola Daisi, Osi Olubadan; Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Asipa Olubadan; Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande, Ekerin Olubadan; and High Chief Kola Babalola, who becomes Ekaarun Olubadan.
The brief but colourful elevation ceremony, held at the Olubadan’s palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, attracted dignitaries from various walks of life, including the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
Oba Ladoja, who ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland earlier this year, had himself previously served as Otun Olubadan on the civil line before his coronation.
The elevation of the High Chiefs followed the traditional succession order that has long guided Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy system.
In their collective remarks, the newly elevated High Chiefs pledged loyalty to Oba Ladoja and promised to work diligently for the continued peace, unity, and progress of Ibadanland.
Delivering a goodwill message, Bishop Wale Oke commended the Olubadan for upholding Ibadan’s time-honoured traditions and used the occasion to call for an end to the spate of killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes across the country.
According to him, insecurity affects Nigerians across religious lines.
He stated, “Both Christians and Muslims are victims of these heinous acts. The government must redouble its efforts to end these tragedies that continue to claim innocent lives.”
The ceremony ended on a note of prayer and goodwill for the reign of Oba Ladoja and the peace and prosperity of Ibadanland.
