Ladoja’s Superlative Coronation As New Olubadan Stole The Cultural Spotlight in Q3 2025

Oba Ladoja coronation thrilled Ibadan in 2025, marking a powerful display of culture, tradition, and community unity at Mapo Hall

It was at Mapo Hall, in the heart of Ibadan, that all eyes turned on Friday, September 26, 2025.

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The vibrant beat of drums echoed through the air, mingling with joyful chants and the delightful aroma of kolanut and incense.

Colourful ‘agbadas’ flowed through the crowd, creating a beautiful tapestry of fabric and tradition.

This was more than just a coronation; it was a spectacular celebration of culture, where history, rituals, and community united as one.

When His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, received the staff of office and was crowned the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the city did not just welcome a new king but celebrated the enduring spirit of Ibadan itself.

Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s journey to the throne was as remarkable as the day itself. A former Senator (1991-92) and governor of Oyo State (2003-2007) and a respected elder statesman in Ibadan, he climbed every rung of the city’s unique chieftaincy ladder with patience and dignity, eventually emerging as the 44th Olubadan.

His rise captures the popular Ibadan saying, _“Agbotikuyo ni oye Ibadan”_ — the belief that anyone who lives long enough and serves faithfully may celebrate becoming Olubadan in their lifetime.

Known for his outspoken yet humble character, Ladoja used his coronation to restate the purpose of kingship: “Our role as kings is not just to wear royal beads and acquire women but to serve the people.”
Also, his call for an Ibadan State hinted that he intends to blend tradition with advocacy.

From the street to the stage, the whole procession felt like a vibrant slice of living history.

The traditional drummers set the beat, while masquerades and palace chiefs moved gracefully through their elegant routines.

There were moments of silence for sacred rites, like the Labosinde and Ose Meji observances that took place before the final investiture.

Then, a collective cheer erupted as the white-beaded crown was lifted, revealing the monarch’s face beneath the delicate fringe.

The coronation unfolded like a rich cultural performance, showcasing various acts: the mythical (rites at the Ose Meji shrine), the civic (the presentation of the staff at Mapo Hall), and the social (families and guilds proudly claiming their place in the community’s memory).

What makes the spectacle deeply Ibadan is the city’s peculiar, patient system of succession.

Unlike many Yoruba thrones that are passed down within a single royal family, the Olubadan is selected through a lengthy process of chieftaincy promotions that can take anything between 25 to 40 years.

This process alternates between two main ruling lines—the Balogun and the Otun line (Egbe Agba).

The Seriki line has unfortunately gone extinct due to the unclear terms regarding its connection to the Olubadan line.

Those who aspire to the throne do not simply inherit it but earn it by climbing the ranks through well-defined positions.

This gradual, step-by-step promotion ensures that the crown typically lands on someone who has already served as a public chief for many years, meaning a community elder with a solid track record of service.

It took Oba Ladoja 32 years to climb the ladder from Jagun (after several years as Mogaji of his compound) to the Olubadan stool.

The laddered structure of the Olubadan system is truly its greatest asset. It brings a sense of predictability and order. There is a clear public timeline for advancement.

Chiefs move up based on seniority and rank, which means there are far fewer succession disputes compared to systems where multiple royal families are vying for power in a vague manner.

Additionally, this system lends legitimacy through established seniority, making the rise of the Olubadan not a surprise but rather the culmination of a well-known, ongoing process.

More importantly, it fosters a sense of responsibility, as each chief understands that their promotion hinges on their behaviour and public reputation, motivating them to actively serve the community.

All of this contributes to the stability of a large, diverse city by grounding elite competition in a structured, ritualised process instead of chaotic factional tussles.

The coronation really showcased how Ibadan blends the sacred with the civic. The Ose Meji rites and the presentation of the staff of office at Mapo Hall work hand in hand.

The first is all about seeking ancestral approval, while the second serves as a public acknowledgement from the modern state.

In the case of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the event was even more significant thanks to the presence of influential politicians and respected religious leaders, turning the day into a vibrant snapshot of Nigerian public life.

The way everything was choreographed highlighted the ongoing dialogue between tradition and contemporary authority in the city of Ibadan.

If there is a cautionary note, it is that the system tends to produce aged monarchs. Since promotions happen over many years, Olubadans typically ascend to leadership at a more advanced age.

While this can be seen as a positive (bringing wisdom and experience), it also raises some concerns about the health and agility of the new king.

However, many would argue that the drawbacks are minor compared to the benefits of this system, which helps to reduce dynastic conflicts, promote advancement, and ensure that the crown is linked to public service rather than just being passed down through inheritance.

Nevertheless, the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja was truly a significant moment for both Ibadan and the broader Yoruba culture.

By bringing together sacred rites, civic ceremonies, and lively celebrations into one grand occasion, Ibadan showcased its rich traditions to both its people and the world.