TRIBUTE TO 44TH Ọ̀LÚBÀDÀN OF ÌBÀDÀN

By: Favour Adéwoyin

Ibadan is more than a city; it is a muse, a metaphor, and a memory etched in poetry and history. From J.P. Clark’s immortal lines to the evocative renderings of Wole Soyinka and Niyi Osundare, from the chants of Yoruba oral poets to the stories whispered through her streets, Ibadan has lived in verse, in prose, and in the hearts of her people as Nigeria’s sprawling, storied soul.

This fabled city of brown roofs — founded in the 1820s as a war camp — has blossomed into the largest city by landmass in Nigeria, a cultural, political, and commercial heartbeat of Yorubaland. Its skyline tells its story: Mapo Hill with its panoramic majesty, the University of Ibadan as the nation’s first citadel of learning, and Cocoa House as West Africa’s pioneering skyscraper. A city of firsts, Ibadan remains the pulse of Ọ̀yọ́, the pride of the Yoruba, and a luminous crown in Nigeria’s history.

What sets Ibadan apart from other cities is not only its grandeur but also its unique system of kingship — a succession structure so stable, orderly, and inclusive that it has become a global model of unity, synergy, and peace. By tradition, the revered stool of the Ọ̀lúbàdàn rotates between two noble lines: the Balógun (military) and the Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà (civil). After the reign of the 43rd Ọ̀lúbàdàn, His Royal Majesty Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin of the Balogun line, destiny now smiles on the Ègbẹ́ Àgbà line.

Tomorrow, Friday, September 26, 2025, history will be written anew as Ọba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Ọ̀tún Ọ̀lúbàdàn and most senior chief of the civil line, ascends the ancient throne as the 44th Ọ̀lúbàdàn of Ìbàdàn — fulfilling the open prophecy once declared by the late Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun.

Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ìbádàn, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s life embodies resilience, versatility, and excellence. From his formative years at Ìbádàn Boys’ High School and Olivet Baptist High School, to his pursuit of Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium, his journey reflects a blend of intellectual rigour and vision. His career with Total Nigeria spanned 13 years, after which he distinguished himself in private enterprise, engaging in shipping, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, and transport.

In politics, Oba Ladoja stood tall. Elected as Senator in 1994 during the Third Republic, he later served as Executive Governor of Ọ̀yọ́ State between 2003 and 2007, overcoming trials including an unjust impeachment that was later overturned by the Supreme Court. His political odyssey through the PDP, Accord, ADC, and Zenith Labour Party testified to his enduring commitment to service and leadership.

On the chieftaincy path, Ọba Ladoja’s journey has been no less remarkable. As Òtún Ọ̀lúbàdàn, the apex of the civil line, he embraced Ìbádàn’s tradition of harmony even amidst controversies over the revised declaration. His words still resonate: “Those thinking Ìbádàn will burn are liars… we settle our matters behind closed doors.” Such wisdom reflects his deep faith in Ìbádàn’s age-old covenant of peace.

What makes his enthronement historic is not merely the fulfilment of tradition, but the fusion of political and traditional leadership in one man. For the first time, a former state governor mounts the Ọ̀lúbàdàn’s throne — a symbol of experience, maturity, and continuity. His vast knowledge, global exposure, and political acumen are treasures he now brings to the service of Ìbádàn, Ọ̀yọ́ State, and Nigeria.

As Ọba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja becomes the 44th Ọ̀lúbàdàn, we see not just a king enthroned, but a destiny fulfilled. We see a custodian of heritage, a bridge between past and future, and a leader destined to elevate Ìbádàn to greater heights of unity, progress, and glory.

On behalf of the Executive and members of Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa, an advocacy group committed to power rotation in Ọ̀yọ́ State come 2027 (popularly called “Gómìnà Ọ̀yọ́ Òkèògùn lo kàn”), I pray that God grants our new monarch divine wisdom, strength, and long life to guide Ìbádàn — the largest city in West Africa and the second largest in Africa — with justice and grace.

Long live Ọba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja!
Long live Ìbàdàn!
Long live Ọ̀yọ́ State!
Long live Nigeria!

Pst. Favour Adéwọyin, National Secretary, Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa.

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