Ladoja formally crowned 44th Olubadan

Former Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has officially been crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The traditional coronation ceremony took place at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, where Oba Ladoja was formally crowned in accordance with Yoruba custom.

Prior to the crowning, the new monarch had received the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, an essential rite in the coronation process of an Olubadan.

Oba Ladoja is expected to be formally presented with the staff of office and official instruments of authority by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, at a state ceremony scheduled to take place at the historic Mapo Hall.

Governor Makinde, who had been on annual leave, cut his holiday short to personally attend the coronation, underlining the significance of the occasion for the people of Ibadan and the state at large.

Oba Ladoja ascends the throne following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Monday, 7 July 2025.

Dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the public gathered in Ibadan to witness the historic event, which was held under tight security.