Amanze Chinonye
Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, is alive with colour, music and history today as Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja is being crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland a coronation that coincides with his 81st birthday.
The rare double celebration has drawn thousands of indigenes, traditional rulers, political leaders and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, transforming the ancient city into a carnival of culture and pride.
Citywide Celebration for a Historic Day
From the break of dawn, Ibadan’s major markets, including Bodija, Oje and Agbeni, remained closed in honour of the event. Streets leading to Mapo Hall, the historic venue of the installation, have been decorated with colourful banners and flags, while residents thronged major junctions to catch a glimpse of the royal procession.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGovernor Seyi Makinde declared today a public holiday, describing the coronation as “a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Ibadan.” The move allowed civil servants, traders and students to participate fully, creating a festive atmosphere that stretched from Dugbe to Mokola and other key neighbourhoods.
Coronation Rites in Full Swing
Traditional rites began earlier this morning at the Popoyemoja Palace, where the Olubadan-designate received blessings from the Olubadan-in-Council before proceeding in a majestic convoy to Mapo Hall.
Draped in a regal white agbada with gold embroidery and wearing the symbolic Ade Olubadan (the beaded crown), Oba Ladoja was presented to the cheering crowd as drummers, praise singers and cultural troupes filled the air with rhythmic sounds.
Dignitaries already on ground include Governor Makinde, former Oyo State governors, lawmakers, Yoruba monarchs such as the Alaafin of Oyo, the Ooni of Ife, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, alongside prominent business leaders and cultural enthusiasts. President Bola Tinubu is expected later in the day to join the celebrations.
A Birthday Fit for a King
Adding to the spectacle, today also marks Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday. Following the coronation rites, a special thanksgiving and birthday reception are scheduled at Agodi Gardens, where family, friends and dignitaries will present tributes to the new monarch.
Governor Makinde has already led early birthday greetings, hailing Oba Ladoja as “a bridge between tradition and modern governance,” while religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities have offered prayers for his long life and peaceful reign.
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Ibadan Comes Alive
Across the city, the mood is unmistakably festive. Masquerades, cultural dancers and traditional drummers have taken over streets and neighbourhood squares. From Gate to Bere, residents wave miniature Ibadan flags, while fireworks are planned to light up the skyline tonight over Cocoa House, West Africa’s first skyscraper, symbolising the city’s enduring influence.
Radio and television stations, including BCOS, Channels TV, Arise News and TVC, are providing live coverage as Ibadan showcases its unique cultural heritage to the world.
Today’s celebration is more than pageantry it is a reaffirmation of Ibadan’s transparent chieftaincy succession system, where patience and service determine kingship. Oba Ladoja’s journey from Jagun Olubadan in 1993 to the throne in 2025 embodies the principle that any true son of Ibadan can aspire to kingship through merit and endurance.
Cultural scholars say the event also sends a message beyond Ibadan. “At a time when Nigeria faces political tension and social change, this coronation demonstrates how tradition can coexist with modern governance to preserve identity and unity,” said Dr. Akin Alabi, a historian at the University of Ibadan.
As the new Olubadan, Oba Ladoja is expected to leverage his vast political experience as a former Oyo State governor, senator and national figure to strengthen Ibadan’s influence in the Southwest and beyond. In his first brief remarks after the installation, the monarch pledged to “unite all sons and daughters of Ibadan, attract investment, and uphold the values of justice, fairness and equity.”
The coronation and birthday of Oba Ladoja are not merely ceremonial; they reflect Ibadan’s resilience and ability to balance ancient tradition with contemporary relevance. At a time when Nigeria’s social fabric is under pressure, today’s celebration stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of Yoruba heritage and the stabilising role of respected cultural institutions.
For Ibadan indigenes and Nigerians alike, this historic Friday is a symbol of continuity, unity and hope a message that while times may change, the heartbeat of tradition endures.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
