The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has attributed his ascension to the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland to divine intervention rather than monetary influence, saying his emergence was purely the will of God.

The monarch made this known on Tuesday while receiving the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Leenknegt, at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja, who succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin — the 43rd Olubadan who joined his ancestors on July 7, 2025 — said his focus as king is to ensure the protection and welfare of all residents of Ibadan, regardless of religion, tribe, or political leaning.

“My ascension to the throne of Ibadanland is divine. It is not money that makes one an Oba in Ibadan, neither is it the Ifa oracle. It is God who grants long life to reach this stage,” the Olubadan said.

He noted that traditional rulers now have broader responsibilities beyond the cultural sphere, stressing the need for royal fathers to play active roles in promoting peace, youth engagement, and social stability.

“One of our major duties as Olubadan is to ensure peace in the land. But peace cannot be achieved when people are hungry. We must address the issue of stomach infrastructure by empowering our youths. When they are engaged and productive, the menace of drug abuse and other social vices threatening our community will be curbed,” he stated.

Ladoja commended the Belgian government for its readiness to partner with Ibadanland, particularly in the areas of agriculture and investment.

“Ibadan has abundant agricultural land — both grassland and forest areas — that can support massive farming and development. Belgium has promised to support us intellectually and financially, and I am confident this partnership will bear fruit,” he said.

The monarch revealed plans to host a delegation of French-speaking Ambassadors in Ibadan soon, saying the collaboration would further strengthen the city’s status as the pacesetter in the Southwest.

Earlier, the Belgian Ambassador, Mr. Leenknegt, said his visit to Ibadan was to strengthen bilateral relations, adding that cocoa had overtaken crude oil as Nigeria’s main export to Belgium since 2024.

“Cocoa has become Nigeria’s leading export product to Belgium, surpassing crude oil. This is a good development for farmers and an indication that our trade relations are diversifying,” the envoy noted.

In a related engagement, Oba Ladoja also received the Olofin of Isheri, Lagos, Oba Ibrahim Bello, whom he urged traditional rulers to lead by example in restoring discipline and integrity to the traditional institution.

“Traditional leaders must exemplify honesty and service. Our people look up to us, and it is our duty to uphold Yoruba values of respect, peace, and progress,” the Olubadan said.

Oba Bello, in his remarks, praised the Olubadan for his wisdom and hospitality, noting that the visit was to draw inspiration from his leadership and emulate his achievements in their own communities.

Dignitaries at the event included members of the Olubadan Advisory Council and other prominent traditional title holders.