Amanze Chinonye
On Friday, the city of Ibadan witnessed a landmark moment in its history as Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,marking a historic milestone in the city’s centuries-old heritage.
The coronation, transformed the iconic Mapo Hall into a vibrant stage of tradition, pageantry, and political significance, drawing thousands of residents, traditional rulers, and prominent leaders from across Nigeria to celebrate the new monarch.
The coronation attracted the country’s political and traditional elite, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade, Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and several former governors, among them Ibikunle Amosun, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
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A strong security presence, including operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army, ensured the ceremony proceeded smoothly.
Governor Seyi Makinde formally presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja at the Mapo Hall, affirming the unity and strength of Ibadan’s traditional institution. In his first public address as Olubadan, Oba Ladoja used the occasion to voice a long-standing demand: the creation of Ibadan State.
Speaking to the jubilant crowd, he stated, “They (Olubadan-in-Council) have a message for you, Mr President. They want Ibadan State. Or is it not so?” He called on the audience to acknowledge the President “in advance” for granting the request, adding, “I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State. Please do this in good time. We can’t wait to have Ibadan State, in fact, before the 2027 election.”
Oba Ladoja’s appeal highlights a broader conversation in Nigeria about state creation, particularly as groups and individuals continue to agitate for constitutional amendments to increase the number of states beyond the current 36 states spread across six geopolitical zones.
Analysts say Ibadan, as one of the largest cities in Nigeria with significant cultural, economic, and political clout, presents a strong case for statehood.
READ ALSO: Historic Moment: Oba Ladoja Crowned Olubadan at 81
The coronation also paid homage to centuries-old traditions, beginning with the presentation of the Akoko leaf at Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba and culminating in the installation at the Ose Meji Temple.
Streets across Ibadan were decorated with banners, billboards, and portraits of Oba Ladoja. Cultural performances, drummers, and masquerade groups added vibrancy to the historic occasion, while hotels reported full occupancy with visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Oba Ladoja’s journey to the Olubadan throne reflects decades of service and resilience. He began as Mogaji of Arusa Compound, steadily climbing the traditional hierarchy to become Otun Olubadan in 2022 before his formal ascension.
A former senator and governor of Oyo State (2003–2007), Ladoja has long championed the dignity of Ibadan’s chieftaincy system and grassroots governance, resisting attempts to politicize succession practices.
Residents of Ibadan warmly celebrated the coronation, displaying banners proclaiming “Long Live the Olubadan,” “Ibadan Pride, Yoruba Glory,” and “Oba Ladoja: A King for the People.” For many, the event was both a tribute to a respected monarch and an expression of civic aspiration, particularly the push for Ibadan State.
The coronation and birthday celebrations signify more than ceremony they are a reaffirmation of cultural heritage, unity, and political advocacy.
Oba Ladoja’sLadoja’s appeal for state creation reinforces the role of traditional institutions in shaping contemporary governance, reflecting the people’s desire for recognition, autonomy, and equitable development. For Ibadan and its indigenes, the coronation was a historic milestone that intertwines cultural pride with political vision.
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.
