Adanla Celebrates Olubadan At 82 From Holy Land, Reaffirms Deep Respect For Monarch

The 82nd birthday and first anniversary on the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, have attracted warm felicitations from one of Ibadan’s prominent business and traditional figures, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, MCIArb, MCIOB, MCABE, Mogaji of the Adanla family of Ibadan, Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, Wakil Faido Tijaniyyah of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, and Giwa Adinni of Offa Land.

Adanla, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Afia Group, described the occasion as a particularly significant one, coming on a Friday and coinciding with the monarch’s 82nd birthday and first anniversary as Olubadan.

For the respected Ibadan businessman and community leader, the significance of the occasion has been further heightened by his privilege of being part of the Olubadan’s entourage to the holy city of Makkah for the special Umrah marking the milestone.

In a message of goodwill, Mogaji Adanla expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the spiritually significant moment with the revered monarch, while praying for many more years of sound health, peace, prosperity and fulfilment.

He said the opportunity to accompany the Olubadan on the spiritual journey was a great privilege, describing the monarch as a father figure and an institution whose place in the history and development of Ibadanland commands profound respect.

“Three things that made today a special day: it’s a Friday, the 82nd birthday and first anniversary of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Making the list of Olubadan’s entourage to the holy city of Mecca for this special Umrah is a great privilege,” Adanla said.

He further congratulated Oba Ladoja, wishing the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland long life, good health and prosperity, while praying that the monarch would continue to enjoy divine guidance and strength in the service of Ibadanland.

The relationship between Adanla and the Olubadan extends beyond the traditional connection between an Ibadan family head and the city’s paramount ruler.

The Afia Group Chairman has consistently spoken publicly about the high esteem in which he holds Oba Ladoja, whom he credits with playing an important role in the evolution of his business journey.

Adanla previously disclosed that the Olubadan was instrumental in the conception of the Afia business dream and encouraged him to return from the United Kingdom to establish his company in Ibadan.

He has also dedicated major recognitions to the monarch as a mark of appreciation and respect. 

That relationship has continued to find expression in Adanla’s public support for Ibadan’s traditional institution, cultural values and community development, reflecting his identity not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a Mogaji and prominent custodian of family and cultural responsibilities.

As the Afia Group continues to expand beyond its established real estate and construction interests, Adanla is also opening new frontiers for the business. 

His latest partnership with Great Wall Motors (GWM) is part of the group’s broader expansion into the automotive market, with the move expected to further strengthen Afia’s growing business footprint and deepen its contribution to the local economy.

The development comes against the backdrop of Afia Group’s growing profile in Ibadan’s real estate sector, where the company has undertaken major projects and built a reputation around luxurious indigenous property development and urban renewal.

The company has also attracted recognition for its contributions to the housing and property industry. 

For Adanla, however, the latest milestone is less about business and more about honouring a monarch whose leadership, friendship and encouragement have occupied a special place in his personal and professional journey.

As Oba Ladoja marks 82 years of life and one year on the ancient throne of Ibadanland, Adanla joins other sons and daughters of the ancient city in celebrating the monarch, with his own message carrying the added significance of a journey shared from Ibadan’s traditional institution to the spiritual atmosphere of Makkah.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would preserve the Olubadan in good health, grant him wisdom and renewed strength, and bless his reign with peace, unity, progress and prosperity for Ibadanland.