The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council as part of preparations for his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Naijaonpoint reports that the meeting, which was ongoing at the time of press, marked Ladoja’s first official engagement with the Council since his nomination.

On his return to Ibadan on Monday, Oba Ladoja had first visited his family at Arusa Compound, Isale Osi, before receiving well-wishers at his Bodija residence.

Addressing supporters, the former Oyo State governor assured that he would immediately engage the Council, the Oluwo, the Araba, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to fast-track the enthronement process.

According to The Nation, all members of the Olubadan-in-Council were in attendance.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Olubadan-designate had earlier expressed sadness over the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, noting that the development accelerated his ascension to the throne sooner than he anticipated.

Ladoja disclosed this on Monday, while addressing journalists at his private residence on Ondo Street in Ibadan.

Ladoja, who said he began his journey to the exalted stool of Olubadan from his Family compound on October 1, 1993, expressed appreciation to God for sparing his life.

According to him, he would soon be crowned, now that he has returned to his ancestral hometown, Ibadan.