By Adebayo Waheed
Copyright leadership
President Bola Tinubu, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, and others are part of dignitaries expected at the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja.
Tinubu and Ladoja served together in the Senate during the aborted Third Republic.
Aside that, while Tinubu was serving his second term as Lagos State governor, Ladoja was also serving as Oyo State governor at the time.
Ladoja is billed to be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland next Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Oba Ladoja, few days ago while recieving some visitors who came to pay him courtesy visit at his Bodija residence, said Tinubu and other top dignitaries have promised to be in attendance at his coronation.
Chairman of the Coronation Committee of the 44th Olubadan, Chief Bayo Oyero, while speaking with journalists during a press conference held at Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, confirmed that President Tinubu and other eminent personalities would be in attendance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oyero described the installation of Ladoja as the new Olubadan as a great cultural and historical significance, adding that the installation will not just be a coronation but reaffirmation of unique and timeless chieftaincy system of Ibadanland.
He said Ibadan succession process is a testament to its democratic and orderly tradition, a system that has ensured peace and stability for generation.
He said: “The ascension of Oba Ladoja is a journey of many years back, a path meticulously followed and guided by the wisdom of the ancestors.”
He noted that Ladoja, being a one-time Senator, governor, and now Olubadan, would be equipped with unique understanding of the grassroots to the corridor of power.
He, however, said Ibadan people were confident that Ladoja would bring his wealth of experience to the throne, leading Ibadanland into a new era of progress, peace and prosperity.
Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described Olubadan stool as a revered stool and pride cultural identity not just to Ibadanland, but Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
He added that Ladoja’s coronation signified unity, peace and fundamental celebration of Yoruba heritage.
