President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke were among the dignitaries who arrived in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of the new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The grand installation ceremony, taking place at the historic Mapo Hall, marks the official crowning of Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor and senator, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja, 81, succeeds Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
His emergence followed the traditional succession process unique to the Ibadan chieftaincy system, which requires aspirants to rise through various hierarchical ranks before ascending the throne.
The new monarch brings to the revered stool decades of political, business, and community leadership experience.
Excitement gripped the ancient city as residents and well-wishers trooped out in their numbers to witness the historic event.
The Olubadan stool remains one of the most influential traditional institutions in Yorubaland, carrying immense cultural and political significance for Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and one of the largest cities in West Africa.