I got the heading of this article from a video I stumbled upon on one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, TikTok.
In the video, a grandmother was seen inviting her grandson to the inauguration of the new Olubadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, in Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria.
Apparently, the grandson had followed her to the installation of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, and she was now extending another invitation to the grandson for the new monarch, Oba Ladoja.
She said, “Hello Demola, Shó wálé? Shé kámá rétí ẹ níbí Áyẹyẹ Ólúbádán? Ọbá èlèyí yátọ yátọ ní ó. Kó dá Áárẹ Bọlá Tinubu nbọ.” Loosely translated as: “Hello Demola, would you be coming home? Should we be expecting you at the installation of the Olubadan? This monarch’s inauguration is one of its kind o. In fact, the President would be attending.”
The above captures the mood of all Ibadan indigenes since the Olubadan-In-Council nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land. I dare say that no ascension has been as anticipated as Oba Ladoja’s own.
Every time a vacuum is announced in the Olubadan stool, a lot of people ask whether it is Ladoja’s time, even beyond the boundary of Ibadan.
When the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, died, I thought it was the turn of Oba Adewolu Ladoja. Many media outfits even projected him until the Olubadan-In-Council made a categorical statement on it to clarify the order of ascension.
Ladoja’s ascension to the throne is divine, an accomplished businessman, a former Senator, a former Governor of his state, and now an Olubadan. The love his people have shown him is magical, and I expect him to hit the ground running by uniting his people for a good cause. He promised to rally them for possible opportunities for unemployed Ibadan indigenes.
He said Monarchs are expected to work for the people and not be elected to illegally take over people’s land or wives. His installation transformed the city into a carnival of history and glamour, as the streets buzzed with music and family compounds brimmed with celebration.
The iconic Mapo Hall, the seat of Ibadan royalty, glistened with the presence of President Bola Tinubu; Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); former governors, ministers, and dignitaries who came to witness the never-happened-before lifetime coronation.
The traditional institutions were not left out. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan; and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others, were present.
I am glad to witness this historic coronation as it is now eventually Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja’s turn on the throne.
I’m sure that Ladoja’s wealth of experience and simplicity will inspire Ibadan to greater heights of development, cultural pride, and harmony.
I pray that Oba Ladoja’s reign be blessed with good health, peace, and divine guidance.
Bagbansoro Uthman O
Twitter: @TheBagbansoro
Mail: Bagbansorouthman@gmail.com
Gatekeepers News is not liable for opinions expressed in this article, they’re strictly the writer’s
