Ibadan’s political, traditional and social landscape has taken an unusual spiritual turn as prominent sons of the ancient city converge on the Holy Land, with the 82nd birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, being marked in an atmosphere of prayers and devotion rather than the usual birthday fanfare.
Oba Ladoja, who clocked 82 on Thursday, September 25, 2026, is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, turning what would ordinarily have been a major social occasion in Ibadan into a deeply spiritual celebration centred on thanksgiving, supplication and reflection.
His decision to spend the period in the Holy Land is particularly significant because the monarch had earlier appealed to his subjects, friends and well-wishers not to turn his birthday and first anniversary on the throne into an elaborate celebration, but to use the occasions to pray for Ibadanland and extend kindness to people in need.
Interestingly, the monarch is not the only prominent Ibadan figure currently connected to the spiritual gathering in Saudi Arabia.
Among the high-profile personalities confirmed to be in the Holy Land is Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for Oyo State in the 2027 election.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was recently elevated from Ekarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun by the Olubadan, but could not personally attend the ceremony at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo because he was in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah.
For Alli, the timing has produced a remarkable coincidence. While a new chapter was being formally added to his traditional journey in Ibadan, the politician was thousands of kilometres away in the Holy Land, seeking divine guidance and blessings.
His absence did little to diminish the significance of the elevation, as Mogajis, traditional rulers, Baales, political associates and members of his family represented him at the ceremony.
More strikingly, Alli’s latest traditional elevation comes only days before the Olubadan’s 82nd birthday and first anniversary on the throne, placing two major Ibadan traditional moments against the backdrop of the same spiritual journey.
Another prominent Ibadan personality understood to be in the Holy Land is Engr. Abduljelil Adekunle Karheem, MCIArb, MCIOB, MCABE, the Afia Group Chief Executive Officer, 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.
His presence alongside other prominent Ibadan personalities therefore adds another dimension to what is gradually becoming an unusually spiritual period for the city’s elite.
For a city renowned for its colourful social calendar, powerful political networks and elaborate celebrations, the mood surrounding the Olubadan’s 82nd birthday presents a striking contrast.
Instead of a crowded birthday circuit, attention has shifted to Makkah, where prayers, Umrah and thanksgiving have replaced the conventional razzmatazz associated with milestone celebrations.
That development also reflects the personal choice of the monarch himself. Oba Ladoja had asked those celebrating with him to remember people facing hardship, particularly vulnerable children and residents of motherless babies’ homes, rather than concentrating solely on festivities.
In effect, the Olubadan’s birthday message has transformed the celebration from one centred on the celebrant into one focused on gratitude, service and the wellbeing of others.
It is a significant message coming from a monarch whose first year on the throne has already been characterised by a strong emphasis on the traditional institution, while his 82nd birthday provides an opportunity to reflect on his journey from politics and public service to the highest traditional stool in Ibadanland.
For Senator Alli, the Holy Land journey has come at another defining moment, following his latest elevation in the Olubadan hierarchy and his emergence as the APC’s candidate for the 2027 Oyo governorship election.
For Adanla, his reported presence further reinforces his longstanding identity as both a prominent Ibadan businessman and a respected figure within Islamic circles.
And for Ibadan, perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the symbolism: while the ancient city prepares to honour its monarch at home, some of its most recognisable sons are thousands of kilometres away, joining him in the sacred atmosphere of Saudi Arabia.
This year’s birthday may therefore go down as one of the most unusual in the recent history of the Olubadan institution — a birthday whose biggest gathering is not in Ibadan, but in the Holy Land.
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