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.