Short Takes From Ladoja’s Coronation As 44th Olubadan

The ancient city of Ibadan stood still on Friday as Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Mapo Hall and its surroundings became the centre of attention, with a blend of ritual, spectacle, politics, and music marking the occasion.

Here are the highlights:

Venue and spectacle

Mapo Hall, Ibadan’s historic civic ground, overflowed with colour, drums, chants and camera flashes as thousands turned out for the coronation.

A revolving statue of the new monarch at the entrance drew admiration — and countless selfies.

Traditional processions mixed seamlessly with modern staging, LED screens and livestreaming.

Royal fathers and dignitaries

Present were top traditional rulers including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.

The Ooni of Ife was absent but represented by Olori Folashade, a detail keenly observed by guests and commentators.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, added northern weight to the roll call of royal fathers.

Political heavyweights

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended, greeted with thunderous applause as he entered the hall under tight security.

The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, also graced the event, underscoring the political symbolism of the day.

Former governors including Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Donald Duke, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola joined in.

Senators Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) and Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) were also sighted, alongside former NSA Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

Makinde’s role

Oyo governor Seyi Makinde formally presented the Staff of Office to Oba Ladoja, turning the coronation into a state event.

His speech lauded the monarch’s experience and called for unity across political and cultural divides.

Coronation rituals and gifts

Before the public ceremony, the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, placed Akoko leaves on Ladoja’s head in a sacred rite.

Gifts flowed in: ceremonial swords, plaques, royal attire and corporate tributes.

Some presenters used the moment to pledge development projects, linking the coronation to promises of progress.

Music, performance and controversy

Fuji star Taye Adebisi, better known as Taye Currency, performed at the high-profile event.

His set was widely shared online, but he is facing flak for perceived mud-throwing lyrics at a moment many expected cultured celebration.

Defenders argued that Fuji music has always mixed entertainment with social commentary.

Crowd energy and soundbites

The loudest cheer came when the Staff of Office touched the new monarch’s hands — chants of “Olubadan! Olubadan!” filled the hall.

Many elderly indigenes wept openly, while children in miniature Aso-oke posed for photos with their families.

On social media, the trending clip was not only the music but Oba Ladoja’s direct appeal to President Tinubu: “Consider Ibadan State before 2027.”

As the sun dipped, Ibadan had witnessed not just a coronation, but a convergence of tradition, politics and spectacle that will be debated for years.