Ladoja Makes History As 1st Former Governor To Become Monarch In Southwest…It’s A Fulfillment Of Destiny-Gov Makinde
Alhaji Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a chemical engineer, who was the governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2006; and from 2006 to 2007, made history on Friday.
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has under his belt, a special achievement- the first former governor to become a monarch in the Southwest.
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was officially crowned at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan and the Akoko leaves were placed at the base of his cap in Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba.
Recall that the throne had become vacant after Oba Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland, joined his ancestors in July this year.
Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State, and late Oba Akinloye Olakulehin had in June last year succeeded Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on March 14, 2024.
Although, the Olubadan-In-Council had last month nominated Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the coronation ceremony however took place on Friday.
The new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, and he is the only living former governor of Oyo State
He has also become the second former senator to become Olubadan of Ibadanland cognizant that Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan was also a member of the Nigerian senate.
Giving his speech after presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Friday, Governor Seyi Makinde described the emergence of the former governor as 44th Olubadan as ‘a fulfillment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage’.
Governor Makinde also noted that the coronation ceremony of Oba Ladoja is not just a traditional exercise but also a unifying moment for the people of Ibadanland.
President Bola Tinubu also called it ‘moment of history’ while noting that the monarch’s ‘perseverance, determination and reliability during the impeachment struggle remain impeccable’.
‘Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour to witness your coronation, to witness history.
It’s a great honour and moment of history that you ascend the throne of your forbearers. It’s my prayer that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare gems of history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.
It is my honour, my joy, my pleasure to wish you this day and many more days ahead of joy, prosperity and relevance in the institution of democracy, history of Obaship in Nigeria’ he said.
Dignitaries at the event include President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi, Oba Abimbola Owoade, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Mr Donald Duke, federal and state lawmakers among others-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
