Tinubu to attend Ladoja’s Coronation as 44th Olubadan on September 26th

The historic coronation of Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland is set to culminate on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the renowned Mapo Hall grounds in Ibadan. The grand event is anticipated to attract a distinguished guest list featuring President Bola Tinubu, prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, captains of industry, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes from across the globe.

The week-long celebration, commencing Monday, September 22, is organized by the Oyo State Government in collaboration with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Activities include interfaith prayers at the Olubadan Palace, cultural festivities at Olubadan Stadium, and a scholarly coronation lecture delivered by the esteemed historian Professor Toyin Falola at the University of Ibadan. The program also features a mega praise and worship concert aligned with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday celebration, exemplifying the deep interfaith unity and vibrant heritage of Ibadan.

Ademola Ojo, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, confirmed the mobilization of over 2,000 security personnel from the police, the State Security Service (SSS), Amotekun Corps, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure peace and order throughout the festivities.

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Chief Bayo Oyero, chairman of the Coronation Committee, hailed the event as a testament to Ibadan’s distinctive and democratic chieftaincy succession system—an enduring tradition that has preserved peace and stability for generations. He praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support and noted that the celebrations would be broadcast live on television and streamed online worldwide, making the event accessible to a global audience.

The Olubadan stool itself represents unity, cultural pride, and resilience among the people of Ibadanland, values which the coronation festivities promise to celebrate. Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s journey to the throne is marked by decades of dedicated public service and private enterprise, including his roles as an engineer, businessman, senator, and former governor of Oyo State.

The coronation is expected not only to mark a significant cultural milestone for Ibadan but also to stimulate the local economy with increased tourism and hospitality activities. The organizers urge Ibadan sons and daughters, Nigerians, and international friends to participate in this historic occasion that underscores the rich heritage of Yorubaland and Africa at large.