It was a historic day in Ibadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, as dignitaries, royal fathers, political leaders, and traditional rulers from across Nigeria converged on Mapo Hall to witness the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The event, described as a coronation “like no other,” brought together eminent personalities and marked a significant moment in the history of the ancient city.
Speaking, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension, describing the new monarch as a “renowned businessman and reliable statesman.”
“Today is an exciting day, Kabiyesi. It is a great honour to be here and witness this historic coronation. My prayer is that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare gems of history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.”
Recalling their time together in the Senate and political struggles, Tinubu praised Ladoja’s character and leadership qualities, stressing “Your resilience and reliability are impeccable. I am honoured to stand here with you today.”
Governor Seyi Makinde in his speech, congratulated the new monarch, describing the coronation as a landmark in the history of Ibadan.
“It is a great honour to celebrate Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan. The massive turnout shows that we must continue to uphold our traditions. All the challenges associated with the Ibadan traditional system are now behind us. The process is now sacrosanct.”
He also noted that President Tinubu’s arrival in Ibadan signified a new era. “History was literally made today. President Tinubu landed first at Ibadan Airport before heading here,” the governor noted.
In his welcome address, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Adebayo Lawal hailed the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other notable figures at the ceremony.
“The leader of the nation is here with us today. Ibadan is not strange to you; this is homecoming, and we feel honoured to have you here. It is wholesome and amazing to see so many people gathered here. None of the royal fathers of worth is absent from this epochal event. We have representatives of Christianity, Islam, and traditional religion. This coronation is unique. We have not witnessed anything like it before,” he said.
In his royal address after receiving the staff of office from Governor Makinde, Oba Ladoja expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he described as “Aare Nigeria” (President of Nigeria) and a dear friend.
“I thank Tinubu, my friend, and I am grateful that Ibadan has contributed to his success. All the governors of the South West are with us today because Ibadan is the home of all Yoruba people. I am only the king of Ibadan, but the staff of authority I received today from Governor Makinde is a source of joy for the entire city.”
Reflecting on the journey to the throne, the new Olubadan, who recently turned 81, said his life’s ambition was now to serve his people wholeheartedly.
“When God destined me for this throne, I resolved to serve my people. I seek nothing more. I thank God I have lived to see this day. MKO Abiola once prayed that I would become king, and I am grateful that it has happened. Chief Adedibu also played a key role in my becoming Jagun,” he said.
Oba Ladoja made a passionate appeal for the creation of Ibadan State, revealing that the demand has been formally presented to President Tinubu.
“Ibadan people want a state of their own. I am confident that if the President is to create only one new state, it will be Ibadan State. We don’t have any challenge with the National Assembly regarding this,” he declared.
The monarch also urged the Federal Government and Ibadan-based federal institutions to prioritise the employment of Ibadan youths.
“All the lands we donated for federal institutions should yield benefits for our people. Things will change now. A king must work for his people — it’s not about wearing beads or taking people’s wives,” he added.
