Ondo Street, Bodija residence of Olubadan-designate Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is currently experiencing a massive crowd of visitors.
This has been the case since his glorious return to Ibadan on August 18, following his formal nomination as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Daily, top dignitaries from Ibadan and other parts of the country flock to his house to pay courtesy visits. The crowd is so large that Ladoja, despite his age (at 80), now manages appointment schedules almost from dawn to dusk.
Traditional rulers, notable politicians, government functionaries, religious leaders, different ethnic groups, movie practitioners, among others, have visited Ladoja’s residence.
When this reporter visited last Tuesday, he encountered another long list of dignitaries paying homage to the new Olubadan, including the former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi. Others present that day included the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCD) in the state; Senator Kola Balogun, who led a delegation from the Alli Iwo family; Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni; Oyo South Senator Barr. Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli and his wife, Alhaja Tawa Abiodun Alli; media guru Chief Bisi Olatilo of Boss; and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba (Dr.) Francis Olatunji Adedoyin, among others.
Earlier, notable figures such as Iwo-born industrialist Chief Abiola Oyedokun, former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Yoruba movie veteran Chief Lere Paimo (Eda Onileola), Chief Bowale Oluwole Arisekola, publisher of Street Journal Magazine and the Mogaji Ajenigieye, Oje in Ibadan, and Bishop Abegunde had all visited Ladoja's residence.
Additionally, the Afia Group CEO and Mogaji of the Adanla family, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, visited in the company of the Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU), of which Ladoja is a member; as well as the Onifiditi of Fiditi, Oba Sakiru Adekola Oyelere, and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin.
Many more dignitaries are expected to also visit the new Olubadan as the coronation day draws near and before he finally moved to the Oke Aremo Palace.
The large crowds besieging Ladoja's residence daily are expected as preparations for his official coronation are in high gear. While many come to pay homage, others engage in strategic meetings ahead of the coronation, scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, a day after Ladoja's 81st birthday. Some visitors also come to partake in the Ankara Aso-Ebi for the coronation.
In fact, apart from the Ankara chosen by Ladoja's immediate family, more than ten other different patterns of Ankara are already in circulation for the coronation. An unprecedented excitement has filled the atmosphere in Ibadan since Ladoja was nominated by the kingmakers as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, making it feel as though the city is welcoming a king for the first time.
Many believe Ladoja's tenure as Olubadan will bring significant change. He is relatively young and agile compared to past monarchs. With his wealth, exposure, and influential connections, he is expected to leverage his considerable influence in his new role as Olubadan.
Also notable is Ladoja’s impressive CV; he is a qualified engineer, successful businessman, and significant political figure both in Oyo State and at the federal level.
He is believed to bring more color, glamour, and panache to the Olubadan throne through his strong connections in high places, having served previously as a senator, governor, and now the Olubadan.
Ladoja's journey to fulfilling his aspiration of ruling his town has been long and unique, given the succession system for the Olubadan throne.
He is thus seen as well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Expectations are high, and one of the first major tasks anticipated of Ladoja is the actualization of Ibadan State.
There are two chieftaincy lines to the Olubadan throne; the Otun and Balogun. Ladoja has emerged from the Otun line following the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Ladoja has also hinted at his reign by promising a royal visit to his alma mater, Ibadan Boys’ High School, after his coronation, where he plans to teach Physics and Mathematics to students.
For these reasons and more, Ladoja's coronation as the 44th Olubadan will be a historic event.
The week-long celebration is poised to feature various exciting activities, attracting prominent figures from various sectors within and beyond the ancient city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
According to the coronation program, activities will commence on Monday, September 22, with a special inter-religious prayer session at the official palace of Olubadan, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
On Tuesday, September 23, there will be a special coronation cultural fiesta at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The first coronation lecture, delivered by Prof. Toyin Falola, will be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday, September 24.
Thursday, September 25, coinciding with Ladoja's 81st birthday, will feature a special Islamic prayer session at the Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, followed by a mega praise and worship event at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.
The grand finale, marking the official coronation, will take place on Friday, September 26, at the historic Mapo Hall, Mapo, Ibadan, followed by a reception for guests at the Obafemi Awolowo (Liberty) Stadium, Ibadan.
On Sunday, September 28, a thanksgiving service will be held at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, Ibadan, followed by the Ibadan coronation civic reception later that day at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan.
To conclude the program, there will be a special Jumat service at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaba, Ibadan, on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Credit: City People
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