Rolls-Royce gift, ancestral rites, and jubilant crowds define Ibadan’s momentous day
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, shed its everyday rhythm on Friday and transformed into a spectacle of history, culture, and glamour as Oba Rashidi Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The former Oyo State governor was nominated by the kingmakers on August 4, 2025, and his nomination was approved by Governor Seyi Makinde on August 21, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7.
From dawn, the city pulsed with excitement. Streets were draped in banners and billboards bearing the monarch’s image, while family compounds echoed with music, food, and prayers. At Mapo Hall—the beating heart of Ibadan royalty—a once-in-a-generation coronation unfolded in the presence of President Bola Tinubu, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), alongside former governors, ministers, and other dignitaries.
Nigeria’s traditional institutions came in full force: the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, though absent due to the Olojo Festival, was represented by his Olori.
Beyond the grandeur of Mapo Hall, every family compound became a carnival ground. Canopies and sound systems were mounted, while grills and pots brimmed with delicacies—amala with ewedu and gbegiri, steaming jollof and fried rice, peppered meat, and palm wine. Music, drumming, and Fuji tunes set the tone, with jubilant crowds dressed in radiant aso ebi, waving customised wrappers, caps, and hand fans bearing the Olubadan’s portrait.
The festivities began with a surprise worthy of royalty. Oba Ladoja was gifted a gleaming white Rolls-Royce by Chief Kola Karim, the Agba Oye of Ibadan. The monarch rode the luxury car, inscribed with Olubadan Ti Ile Ibadan (Arusa I), to Mapo Hall, setting the stage for the day’s grandeur.
Tradition took its course at the Labosinde Compound, where Chief Waheed Popoola, the Afobaje and Oluwo of Ibadan, decorated the monarch with Akoko leaves. In a symbolic act, Oba Ladoja prostrated three times—the last time he would bow before anyone.
From the sacred calabashes, he chose the one containing honey, a sweet omen for his reign. At the Ose-Meji Temple, the Abore (chief priest) performed crowning rites, after which chants of “Idera De!”—reviving his 2003 campaign slogan—rang through the city.
At 81, Oba Ladoja exuded the vigor of a much younger man. Upright, steady, and constantly smiling, he concealed whatever strain the day’s rituals demanded. His calm and cheerful countenance reassured the people of his strength as their new monarch.
By noon, Mapo Hall brimmed with anticipation. Thousands unable to cross security barricades gathered outside, kept entertained by Fuji star Taiye Currency. Security operatives kept order while vendors sold drinks and snacks to the restless but excited crowd.
When the presidential convoy arrived at 2:23 p.m., the square erupted in jubilation. Cheers, ululations, and waving hands marked the official commencement of one of Ibadan’s most historic coronations.
The city of “brown roofs” had not only crowned a new king but also written a new chapter in its storied legacy.
