The Ceremony and Its Rituals
The day began at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South‑East, where drums echoed across the courtyard and families gathered to watch history unfold. Before the main ceremony, Oba Rashidi Ladoja was presented with the Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound in Oja'ba – a rite that signals his official entry into the royal lineage. The leaf, kept for generations, represents both responsibility and protection for the new monarch.
Traditional priests then performed purification rituals, sprinkling water and chanting prayers that date back centuries. The most emotional moment came when the senior chiefs handed Ladoja the ceremonial crown, a heavy gold piece that has survived wars, colonial rule and several regime changes. As the crown settled on his head, the crowd burst into applause, and singers began a praise chant that praised the ancestors of Ibadan.
Later, at Mapo Hall, Governor Seyi Makinde handed the staff of office to the freshly crowned Olubadan. The staff, carved from indigenous wood, is more than a symbol; it signifies the ruler’s duty to uphold justice, protect the people and preserve tradition.
Throughout the day, the streets of Ibadan filled with color. Young people wore traditional agbada, while market women sold roasted corn and palm wine to visitors who had travelled from Lagos, Abuja and even Ghana. The atmosphere felt like a festival, yet every gesture carried deep meaning.
Political Leaders Join the Celebration
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in a convoy that turned heads as it rolled past the buzzing crowds. In his brief address, he prayed for the new king’s long life and called Ladoja "one of the rare gems of our history." He emphasized that a strong Olubadan can help bridge traditional authority with modern governance.
Governor Seyi Makinde cut short a planned vacation to ensure the ceremony ran smoothly. He sent a letter to the Oyo State House of Assembly explaining his early return, thanking Deputy Speaker Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi for reading it aloud and acknowledging Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal for stepping in as acting governor.
The event also drew a host of other dignitaries: former Senate President, senatorial leaders from the South‑West zone, business moguls from the Ibadan industrial belt, and several traditional rulers from neighboring kingdoms. A quick list of key attendees includes:
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
- Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal
- Former Senate President Senator Olubunmi Olusola
- Chief Moshood Oladipo, a noted philanthropist
- Traditional rulers from Iseyin, Ogbomoso and Ile‑Ife
The convergence of political heavyweights and cultural icons highlighted how the Olubadan coronation serves as a bridge between Nigeria’s modern state apparatus and its deep‑rooted traditions. Observers noted that Ladoja’s diverse background—as a former governor, senator, businessman and philanthropist—makes him uniquely positioned to navigate both worlds.
Beyond the pomp, the day sparked conversations about the role of traditional institutions in contemporary Nigeria. Young Ibadan residents posted videos on social media, calling the ceremony a reminder that heritage can coexist with progress. Analysts pointed out that a respected Olubadan can mediate local disputes, support community development projects, and even influence electoral outcomes in the region.
In the evening, the celebration moved to a large open field where a cultural parade showcased age‑old dances, masquerade performances, and a fireworks display that lit up the night sky. The final moments featured a collective bow to the ancestors, a gesture that reinforced the continuity of Ibadan’s lineage.
Overall, the coronation was more than a royal installation; it was a vivid illustration of how politics, business and culture can intertwine in a single, unforgettable day for Ibadan and the wider Oyo State.
Sports
Mildred Alonzo
September 27, 2025 AT 03:33Congrats to Oba Ladoja on his coronation.
Elizabeth Bennett
September 27, 2025 AT 06:50The Olubadan title carries centuries of authority, linking the city’s ancient customs with today’s governance. By wearing the gold crown, the new king publicly affirms his commitment to justice and community welfare. The involvement of the state governor and the president underscores how traditional rulers still play a pivotal role in Nigerian politics. It also offers a platform for cultural ambassadors like us to showcase Yoruba heritage to a broader audience. The ceremony’s blend of drum beats, chants, and modern protocols makes it a living museum of Ibadan’s identity.
linda menuhin
September 27, 2025 AT 07:40When a leaf is handed over, it is not simply a plant but a symbol of continuity that whispers through time.
The Akoko leaf, aged by generations, reminds the bearer that power is a river that must be guided, not dammed.
In that moment the old world meets the new, and the crown sits heavy like a question asked by the ancestors.
Each drumbeat that resonated across Ose Meji Temple echo the heartbeat of a people who have survived wars and colonial shadows.
The rites of purification, the sprinkling of water, they all speak to a deeper belief that leadership must be cleansed before it can be embraced.
Oba Ladoja, having served as governor and senator, now steps into a role where his decisions will be measured not by votes alone but by lineage.
The staff of office carved from indigenous wood stands as a reminder that authority rooted in the soil cannot be uprooted by fleeting political winds.
When the president offered a prayer, it was as if the nation inhaled a collective sigh, hoping that the new monarch would bridge the gap between modern statecraft and age‑old customs.
Young Ibadan residents filming the event on their phones are modern griots, capturing the narrative for future generations.
The fireworks that lit the night sky were not merely a display but a visual metaphor for the sparks of hope that flicker when tradition and progress dance together.
In the market, the scent of roasted corn mingles with the sound of praise chants, creating a tapestry where commerce and culture are indistinguishable.
The ceremony also highlights how traditional institutions can act as mediators in disputes, offering a neutral ground that is respected by both villagers and politicians.
If the Olubadan can influence local development projects, then the crown becomes a tool for tangible change, not just ceremonial pomp.
Yet, the real power lies in the collective bow to ancestors, a gesture that reminds everyone present that no man stands alone.
The day serves as a living lesson that heritage can coexist with progress, provided the guardians of that heritage are willing to adapt.
So the coronation is more than pageantry; it is a call to all of us to honor the past while forging a forward‑looking path.
Jeff Abbott
September 27, 2025 AT 08:46The whole spectacle feels less like a cultural celebration and more like a staged PR stunt orchestrated by the ruling elite. By draping a politician in traditional regalia, they hope to legitimize a system that often ignores the real needs of the grassroots. The presence of the president and governor is a clear signal that power brokers are using heritage to mask their own agendas. While the drums echo, the underlying message is that any dissent will be silenced under the guise of respecting ancestry. It’s a convenient narrative that keeps the status quo intact, dressed in colorful robes.
Quinton Merrill
September 27, 2025 AT 09:53i see where you're coming from, but the event also brought a lot of joy to the streets 🌟. the music, the food, the smiles – those are real moments that matter 😄. even if the politics are messy, the community vibe was undeniable 👍. plus, the younger crowd sharing videos helps keep the culture alive 💡.
Linda Lawton
September 27, 2025 AT 11:00It’s disturbing how quickly we accept a king who once sat in a government office, as if the crown wipes clean any past wrongdoing. The hidden hands pulling strings behind the ceremony are obvious, and anyone who ignores that is complicit. Traditions should protect us, not be weaponized for power.