Makinde presents instruments of office to Ladoja as 44th Olubadan

By Adewale Owoade

Former Oyo State Governor, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has been crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

The Oyo State Government deployed more than 2,000 security operatives to ensure a smooth ceremony, which drew dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu.

In his speech, President Tinubu also congratulated Oba Ladoja, noting that it was a great honour to witness his coronation as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Tinubu, who described Oba Ladoja’s perseverance, resilience and reliability as impeccable, reminisced on their days in the Nigerian Senate, his travails during his impeachment as governor of Oyo State and his comeback, praying to God to grant the new royal father long life and success on the throne so that he would be celebrated as one of the rare gems to ascend the throne.

Tinubu also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future

Presenting the staff of office, Gov. Seyi Makinde described the monarch’s ascension as “a fulfillment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage,” noting it was a unifying moment for the people.

He maintained that all challenges associated with the Olubadan Chieftaincy System in recent years are over, even as he prayed that the reign of Oba Ladoja would usher in peace, progress and development in the city.

Gov Makinde congratulated all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, noting that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments.

Similarly, in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Olubadan Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and commitment to tradition, describing the coronation of the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to Ibadanland.

The trio prayed that the reign of the new Olubadan would bring more growth, progress and prosperity to Ibadanland and Oyo State.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja said Ibadan is blessed with highly resourceful people both indigenes and residents in the city and that its forefathers made great decisions in accommodating leading federal establishments and private businesses, which must now give back to the people of Ibadan.

The new Oba pleaded with President Tinubu to make the creation of Ibadan State from the current Oyo State a reality before May 2027.

Oba Ladoja declared that his reign would be about service to Ibadan, Oyo State, Yorubaland, Nigeria and Africa, stating that he would serve the people to the best of his ability, as according to him, all that is left for him to do is service to humanity, since God spared his life to witness his 81st birthday and also attain the throne of Olubadan.

The event had in attendance wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr (Mrs) Tamunomini Makinde; the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke; Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji.

Also present were former Governors of Ogun State, Senators Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Governors of Kano State, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankaso and Ibrahim Shekarau; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and a wife of the former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja.

Oyo State Government functionaries, who attended the event include the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Debo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Kazim Adeniyi; members of Oyo State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers and chairmen of Local Governments from Ibadan.

Notable royal fathers from all parts of the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, among many others, also graced the event.

Also in attendance were the Forum of Former Governor’s Wives in Nigeria (2003-2007), service commanders and religious leaders, among others.