By Ademola Adekusibe
September 23, 2025
The coronation of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland began today with a solemn interfaith prayer session at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan. The ceremony brought together leaders of Christian, Muslim, and traditional faiths, setting a tone of unity and spiritual reflection for the week-long festivities.
Attending the prayers were top traditional chiefs and religious leaders, including Chief Kola Adegbola, Chief Dauda Abiodun Azeez, and Oba Adebayo Akande alongside Prelate Sunday Olamakinde, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola, and Sheikh Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere. The gathering reflected the city’s diverse religious heritage, with Bible readings, Qur’an recitations, and traditional Iyere Ifa chants marking the proceedings.
The President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole, hailed the occasion as historic, noting that it was unprecedented for a former governor and senator to ascend the Olubadan throne. He expressed optimism that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring peace, stability, and development to Ibadanland.
The official coronation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 26th September 2025, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, and is expected to draw dignitaries from across Nigeria, including President Bola Tinubu and other national figures.
