Ibadan Indigenes Crown Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has been officially crowned the 44^th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a grand traditional ceremony today, Friday, September 26, 2025.

Oba Olubadan Ladoja received the crown at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area after he had been adorned with the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba.

He was formally presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall.

The new Olubadan emerged following the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43^rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025.

Senator Ladoja was a former Governor of Oyo State. Ladoja was elected governor of Oyo State in April 2003 on the PDP platform, and took office on May 29, 2003.

The colourful installation ceremony drew hundreds of guests and residents clad in vibrant attire in Ibadan. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun; and the Chief Imam of Ibadan.

The Olubadan stool is revered for its unique and orderly succession system, which distinguishes it among traditional institutions in Nigeria.

Markets were shut down across Ibadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, as traders honour the coronation of the 44^th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. The directive was issued by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekeen Abass, who said the closure would serve as a mark of respect for the new monarch.