Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, approved the nomination of former Governor of the state, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Makinde, who announced this during his visit to the Olubadan designate at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, fixed Friday, September 26, 2025, for the coronation ceremony, a day after Ladoja’s 81st birthday.
Ladoja returned to Ibadan on Monday, having emerged the Olubadan designate after the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7.
Recall that Ladoja had, on Monday, said that he would be meeting with the governor, Oluwo, and Araba to facilitate his installation process, which, according to him, is coincidental.
He said it was coincidental in the sense that he was born in 1944 and would also be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The governor used the occasion to announce the former Chairman of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene, Bayo Oyero, as the chairman of the coronation committee.
As of press time, the list of other members of the committee had yet to be made public.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Debo Ogundoyin, has felicitated with Ladoja on his official confirmation and approval as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He described the elevation of Ladoja as a momentous development that blends royalty, experience, and statesmanship, adding that the ancient city is set to witness a new chapter of peace, wisdom, and progress under his reign.
In a statement by his media office, the speaker also commended Makinde for granting prompt approval to the nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council, and for upholding the cherished tradition of the Ibadan chieftaincy structure.
Ogundoyin said, “Congratulations to Ladoja on his ascension to the enviable throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland. May your reign bring enduring unity, prosperity, and renewed glory to Ibadanland and the entire Oyo State.
“The emergence of Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan is not only a unifying moment for the people of Ibadan but also a celebration of the uniqueness of the Ibadan traditional system.
“I heartily congratulate our revered monarch on this well-deserved elevation, and I am confident that Ibadan will flourish under his wise and experienced leadership.”
