By Ayomide Otitoju
The ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday hosted a historic gathering as eminent personalities, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, converged for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Dignitaries at the colourful ceremony included Governors of Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, alongside prominent traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. Former governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun were also in attendance.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State formally presented Oba Ladoja with the staff and instruments of office, declaring that the longstanding disputes surrounding the Ibadan traditional succession system had been resolved. “What it means is that the succession process is now sacrosanct,” Makinde stated.
President Tinubu, who arrived at the newly inaugurated Ibadan International Airport before proceeding to the Mapo Hall venue, commended the people of Ibadan for their resilience and support. “There is now bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured in his address.
In his maiden speech as Olubadan, Oba Ladoja urged the Federal Government to create Ibadan State before 2027, stressing that it is the collective demand of his people. “Mr. President, we are in haste. Kindly give us Ibadan State before 2027,” the monarch said, noting that other zones clamouring for a new Oyo State showed there was no opposition to the request.
The coronation programme, which began at 10 a.m., reached its climax at 2:28 p.m. with the arrival of President Tinubu and his entourage. Former governors Gbenga Daniel and Amosun of Ogun State were among the early arrivals at the event, marking the day as a significant milestone in Ibadan’s traditional history.
