By Ademola Adekusibe
September 26, 2025
Ibadan | September 26, 2025
The coronation rites for the Olubadan-designate, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, advanced on Friday as the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola of the Labosinde Compound, placed the traditional Akoko leaves on his head.
The ceremony, which held at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, Ibadan South East Local Government, was greeted with loud ovation from the large gathering of chiefs, dignitaries, and residents.
The placement of Akoko leaves is one of the final and most symbolic rites of ascension, signifying legitimacy, authority, and spiritual protection for the incoming monarch.
Ladoja, who is set to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, will proceed to the Ose Meji House for the crowning ceremony before the official coronation event at Mapo Hall later today.
His emergence followed the passing of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025. Unlike previous successions, the process leading to Ladoja’s coronation has been largely smooth, with no disputes among the kingmakers.
The city of Ibadan is already agog with festivities, as streets are decorated with banners bearing Ladoja’s image, while dignitaries, political leaders, and community figures continue to arrive for the historic ceremony.
