Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde on Friday presented the staff and certificate of office to Oba Rasidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The presentation, which took place at Mapo Hall, was witnessed by President Bola Tinubu, governors, former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and political figures from across Nigeria.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, said the event was a historic moment for Ibadan and Yorubaland.
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I,” he declared.
“This is in confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I so present.”
Earlier in the day, Ladoja performed the traditional rites at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, where Akoko leaves were placed on his head before he proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hill.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Sultan of Sokoto Abubakar Sa’ad III, the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Oluwo of Iwo Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom Oba Obateru Akinruntan and the Timi of Edeland Oba Munirudeen Lawal.
Others present included former governors of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as well as lawmakers such as Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, member of the House of Representatives for Ogbomoso North.
Ladoja, who served as Oyo governor from 2003 to 2007, succeeds the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7.
The coronation marked the climax of a week-long programme which included prayers, cultural events and a lecture at the University of Ibadan.
