Former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has officially mounted the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation rites were performed on Friday at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, shortly after he received the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba.
Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to present the new monarch with the staff and instruments of office at the historic Mapo Hall in a separate ceremony.
Makinde, who had been on vacation, cut short his trip to personally attend the event. He was joined by prominent dignitaries including former Ogun governor, Gbenga Daniel, and several others amid tight security.
Ladoja’s emergence comes after the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025.
The coronation has drawn excitement across Ibadan, with indigenes and residents hailing the historic moment.