By IBADAN witnessed a significant moment in its royal history on Monday as Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, made a symbolic return to his family home in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, ahead of his official installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Arriving in the ancient city at exactly 1:20p.m, the former Oyo State governor headed straight to his ancestral compound, where he was warmly received by family members, friends, and community leaders. In his honour, special interfaith prayers—both Muslim and Christian—were held to seek divine guidance and protection for his reign.
After the prayers, Oba Ladoja was expected to proceed to his private residence on Ondo Street in Bodija, where more well-wishers awaited his arrival.
Sources confirmed to Tribune Online that the Olubadan-elect is set to begin the traditional rites that precede his formal installation as monarch.
His emergence follows a unanimous nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council at a meeting held on Monday, 4 August, at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
Although Oba Ladoja was not present at the Council meeting, his nomination was moved by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and seconded by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole.
Oba Ajibola confirmed that Ladoja’s name would be forwarded to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for ratification.
Speaking later that day from his Bodija residence, Oba Ladoja expressed surprise at the speed of his ascension.
“I told myself I was not ready for the stool when I heard the news,” he said. “I had thought Oba Olakulehin would be on the throne for at least five to ten years.”
The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, whose passing created the vacancy, had only recently ascended the throne, making his demise both shocking and unexpected.
Oba Ladoja, who had been in Lagos when news of Olakulehin’s death reached him, wasted no time in returning to the city to begin the rites of succession, signalling the start of a new chapter in Ibadan’s traditional leadership.
With preparations now in motion, the ancient city awaits the formal approval and coronation of Oba Ladoja, a seasoned statesman and revered figure, whose journey to the throne has officially begun.
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