Culture

BREAKING: Ladoja Becomes 44th Olubadan, on Standby to Receive Staff of Office

By Web News 458

The former governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has been officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He was crowned at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

The former governor, who had earlier received the traditional Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, Ibadan, is expected to be formally presented with the staff and instruments of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall.

According to a report, Governor Makinde cut short his annual leave on Thursday to personally attend Oba Ladoja’s coronation.

It will be recalled that Ladoja became Olubadan-designate following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Details later…

PUNCH/Taiwo Akinola

Culture

Ali Iwo Family Pledges Support for Olubadan

By Web News 571

By Wale Asake 

Family Head of Ali-Iwo Compound, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mogaji Kamaldeen Giwa has described the ascension of Oba Rashidi Ladoja to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland as a divine and welcome development in the history of Ibadan.

Mogaji Giwa stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria at the First Coronation Lecture organized in honour of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. 

The Mogaji of Ali-Iwo said, Oba Ladoja has been a father for all, lover of Ibadan who would further use his connections to facilitate more development to the ancient city.

He pledged his support to the Olubadan, who wanted the best for Ibadan and its people, having been a Senator, Governor, and an Industrialist.

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Culture

Obasanjo Congratulates New Olubadan

By Web News 526

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the need for harmony between traditional institutions and political leadership in Nigeria, warning that rivalry between the two could hinder peace and development.

Chief Obasanjo gave the charge while congratulating Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his ascension as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the event as a remarkable milestone for Ibadan and Oyo State.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Chief Obasanjo urged the new monarch to embody humility, patience, tolerance and divine wisdom in his reign. 

He noted that as custodian of culture and tradition, Oba Ladoja must draw on wide-ranging advice and counsel to succeed.

The former President further charged the new Olubadan to use his reign to advance the welfare and development of Ibadanland and Oyo State, while wishing him a peaceful and successful reign.

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Culture

Don Anticipates Advancement during Oba Ladoja’s Reign

By Web News 460

By Wale Asake 

With the vision of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, there will be environmental uplift and further development that will transform Ibadan for the better.

 A Historian from University of Texas Austin, United States of America, Professor Toyin Falola made this known while delivering the First Olubadan Coronation Lecture in honour of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking on the Lecture Titled, “Ibadan In History: Issues In Tradition and Modernity“, Professor Falola said, Ibadan was rich in culture and hospitality, noting that, many residents had benefited in no small measure from the ancient city. 

He said, Oba Ladoja would use his wealth of experience as a former politician, industrialist and now as a traditional ruler to make a positive change in the area of education, cleaning of the city and others. 

In a goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale described the journey of Oba Ladoja as a unique blend of modernity and deep respect for tradition. 

On his part, the Chairman, Coronation Committee, who is also a former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero said, Oba Ladoja’s reception by all signified that, he is a man of the people, hence, witnessing various programmes as part of activities for his coronation.

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Culture

RATTAWU Hails Oba Ladoja’s Emergence as 44th Olubadan, Calls It Divine Blessing

By Web News 562

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, Oyo State Council, has described the emergence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland as a divine blessing to the land, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Kehinde Olayade, the Union congratulated Oba Ladoja, who will be officially installed as the Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.

The Union expressed confidence that the reign of Oba Ladoja would open new doors of opportunities, strengthen communal harmony, and promote justice and fairness.

“On behalf of the entire leadership and members of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, Oyo State Council, we heartily congratulate His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashid Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his ascension to the exalted throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

“This historic moment is not only a blessing to Ibadanland but also to Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Your emergence as the Olubadan is a testament to your enviable leadership qualities, wisdom, and deep commitment to the growth and unity of our people. We are confident that under your reign, Ibadanland will continue to flourish in peace, development, and cultural heritage.”

“As a union, we take pride in identifying with this new chapter in the history of Ibadanland. We believe that your reign will open new doors of opportunities, strengthen communal harmony, and promote the values of justice and fairness for which you are widely respected.”

“We pray that Almighty God grants you long life, sound health, and divine wisdom to lead Ibadanland to greater heights.”

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Culture

Obi Pays Congratulatory Visit to Olubadan-designate

By Web News 590

By Olawale Asake

A former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja in Ibadan, Oyo State. 

While speaking during the visit at the private residence of Oba Ladoja, the former Presidential candidate said, his visit was to congratulate the former Governor of Oyo State as the next 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, saying the Monarch will use his wealth of experience to further develop Ibadanland. 

Addressing the gathering, Oba Ladoja maintained that, the Olubadan throne would further make him to serve humanity.

The former governor while addressing the gathering, enjoined Mogajis (family heads), to go back to their ancestral compounds in order to mentor and assist younger generations.

Ladoja noted that, he is leading by example by renovating his family compound in Isale Osi in Ibadan South West LGA.

He added that, he sees his appointment as Olubadan of Ibadanland as another opportunity to serve humanity.

According to him, many people erroneously believed that the throne is for glamour, whereas time of glamour is gone and now it is about service.

The 44th Olubadan added that he has told the family heads, popularly known as Mogajis to go back to their ancestral homes to mentor generations of young elements, that they can become whatever God wants them to be even from their environment.

Oba Ladoja appreciated Mr Peter Obi and his entourage for the visit.

Culture

Committee Unveils Activities for Oba Ladoja’s Coronation

By Web News 206

By Wale Asake

Ahead of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, activities have been lined up with the inaugural meeting of the Coronation Committee under the Chairmanship of a former President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero.

The meeting, which had in attendance the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Demola Ojo, deliberated on the Coronation scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

In a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the coronation would kick off with an interdenominational service on Monday, 22nd of September at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan. 

This would be followed by a Cultural Day on Tuesday, 23rd, jointly promoted by CCII and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while a coronation lecture would be delivered by a renowned scholar, Professor Toyin Falola, on Wednesday, 24th of September.

On Thursday, September 25, a Mega Praise worship will hold at the Civic Centre, Idi Ape, Ibadan.

The inaugural meeting was attended by representatives of the Olubadan, including the Asipa Olubadan-designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Chief Nureni Adisa; and the Media Aide to the Olubadan, Chief Adeola Oloko. 

Also in attendance were the Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Women Affairs and Social Inclusion; and Information; the Chairmen of Egbeda and Ibadan South-East Local Government Areas, representing the 11 Local Government Areas in Ibadanland.

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