Roll Call of Dignitaries as Ladoja Ascends Olubadan Throne in Historic Ceremony -

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By Ibironke Mulikat

The ancient city of Ibadan witnessed history on Friday as Oba (Sen) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a colourful ceremony that drew Nigeria’s political and traditional elite.

Oba Ladoja, the first former governor to ascend the revered throne, received the staff and instrument of office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the historic Mapo Hall.

President Bola Tinubu led dignitaries to the event, accompanied by Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

Also in attendance were former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Donald Duke (Cross River), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), as well as Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala, wife of a former Oyo governor.

Other prominent Nigerians at the ceremony included Oyo Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd); and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.

Lawmakers present included Senators Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) and Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North); Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, representing Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives; alongside other federal and state legislators. The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zach Adedeji; Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale; and veteran gospel artiste, Evang. (Dr) Funmi Aragbaye, were also in attendance.

The roll call of royal fathers was equally impressive. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, graced the occasion alongside the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRosheed Akanbi; the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan; the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, among others.

The ceremony marked a milestone in Ibadan’s traditional history, blending cultural splendour with political significance.