Tinubu, Atiku, Sultan,Kano Emir’s to Grace Ladoja’s Coronation as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Tinubu, Atiku, Sultan, Kano Emirs to Grace Ladoja’s Coronation as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

 

 

 

President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, Emirs of Kano, including Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, among others, are expected to attend the coronation of Senator Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.

 

Chief Adeola Oloko, media aide to Ladoja, confirmed the attendance of President Tinubu, noting that the president personally assured Ladoja of his presence during a telephone conversation. “Tinubu and Baba were colleagues in the National Assembly during the defunct Second Republic. Ladoja represented Oyo South Senatorial District while Tinubu represented Lagos West,” Oloko said.

 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, notable traditional rulers, current and former governors, including Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Mr. Ayo Fayose, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, are also expected to attend.

 

Oloko described the event as “unprecedented in the history of Ibadan,” a sentiment echoed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during his recent visit to Ladoja. Residents and visitors noted that the visibility of the event, with billboards, banners, and posters strategically placed across the city, demonstrates the widespread acceptance of Ladoja’s nomination as the 44th Olubadan.

 

Preparations for the coronation are already underway. Ladoja has begun mandatory traditional rites ahead of the formal presentation of the Staff of Office and crown. In line with tradition, he has ceased receiving visitors since Monday to allow for private rituals to be completed. A close aide said, “There are certain rites that must be performed in seclusion before the coronation. Baba will not receive visitors until after the ceremony.”

 

Cultural celebrations commenced on Tuesday at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, featuring traditional dances, music, and attire that showcase the rich heritage of the Ibadan people. The event attracted prominent figures, including the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Niyi Ajewole, President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.

 

The week-long festivities began with interdenominational prayers on Monday and will culminate with the presentation of instruments of office and other ceremonial activities on Friday, marking a historic moment in Ibadanland.