The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has assured the people of the ancient city that his reign will serve every resident, regardless of social status or religious belief.

Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, held in honour of his coronation, the 44th Olubadan pledged to dedicate his life to the growth and unity of Ibadanland.

“We are all governing Ibadan. I’m just the coordinator. You people are the small Olubadan; I’m the big Olubadan. Ibadan will be great by God’s grace with your support. I’m now king of all religions. Ibadan is a fertile land; it shall continue to be well with Ibadan,” Oba Ladoja declared.

He emphasised that the progress of his reign would not be his alone but a collective achievement with the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of the city.

The monarch further stated, “I’m Olubadan for all, and the success of my reign will not be mine alone but that of the Olubadan-in-Council and the entire people of Ibadanland.”

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was on Friday formally presented with the staff and instrument of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall, in a ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries.

He succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, barely one year into his reign.

At the thanksgiving service, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, described the monarch’s enthronement as an act of divine providence.

“Oba Ladoja’s longevity is a crown of grace, and his enthronement is a divine mandate which entrusted him to the peace, unity, and progress of the Ibadan people,” Abegunrin said.

He prayed for God to grant the Olubadan wisdom, strength, and divine guidance to rule with “justice, compassion, and courage.”