Olubadan Coronation Begins With Prayers In Ibadan

The journey to the throne of Ibadanland formally began on Monday as Oba Rashidi Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, started his coronation rites with interdenominational prayers at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo.

The event brought together traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and community figures who gathered to usher in a new era for the ancient city.

Oba Ladoja will be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where he is set to receive the staff and instrument of office. The ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria, including President Bola Tinubu, state leaders, and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan.

The rites followed the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died in July at the age of 90. Unlike the succession that preceded him, which generated questions around the health of the late Olakulehin, Ladoja’s ascension has been described as peaceful and uncontested, reflecting the clear lineage system that guides the Ibadan monarchy.

Prayers at the palace captured the city’s diverse faith traditions. Clerics from the Muslim, Christian, and traditional communities offered blessings for the new reign. Religious leaders asked for peace, unity, and development in Ibadan, while traditionalists performed rites that reaffirmed the cultural roots of the stool.

Key figures in attendance included members of the Olubadan-in-Council, prominent clerics, and heads of community organizations. Their presence signaled collective support for the new monarch, with expectations that his reign will combine political experience with traditional leadership to strengthen Ibadan’s place in Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The coronation marks a historic moment as it is the first time a former governor and senator will mount the throne of Ibadanland. Residents and indigenes expressed optimism that Oba Ladoja’s background in governance will aid the city’s development and foster closer ties among the diverse communities under his watch.

With preparations in full swing ahead of Friday’s grand ceremony, Ibadan is set to welcome leaders and well-wishers from across the country. The celebrations will not only crown a new monarch but also reaffirm the city’s centuries-old tradition of orderly succession and communal harmony.