Now that we have roared back with Velocity One Voice, one thing is clear: Ibadan is not just awakening—it is ascending. This isn’t a return to the past. It’s a resurrection. A rebirth. And as always, when destiny calls, Ibadan answers with a roar.
The kingship institution in Ibadan is unlike any other in Nigeria—perhaps, even in Africa. At its heart lies the Olubadan succession system, a rotational chieftaincy arrangement built not on the whims of power or wealth, but on patience, honour, and merit. It is democracy in royal garb—a rare tradition so pure, so time-tested, it has defied the erosions of modern politics.
In this ancient city of warriors and scholars, becoming king is not inherited—it is earned.
Among the Yoruba, a crown is not just an ornament. It is a sacred burden. The Yoruba people excel wherever they go—in business, medicine, the arts, academia, and politics. But their greatest asset is not their brilliance. It is their deep connection to family, culture, and ancestral honour.
Ibadan has wept recently. The city lost two great obas in quick succession. Their exits shook the pillars of the land. These weren’t just monarchs. They were the soul of a people—custodians of wisdom, unity, and peace.
May their noble spirits rest in eternal peace.
But history never pauses. The drumbeats of destiny are sounding once more, and the people of Ibadan are listening. The throne calls again.
And all eyes are now on High Chief Abdulrasheed Adewolu Ladoja.
A man of monumental stature; former governor, former senator, billionaire entrepreneur, and respected statesman. He is not just a seasoned politician; he is a symbol of resilience.
A man whose name echoes across the corridors of power and business alike. Ladoja has climbed every rung of the Olubadan line with dignity and discipline, earning his right to stand at the edge of history.
Yes, the political murmurs will come—as they always do. But this moment is bigger than politics. It is about legacy. Continuity. Identity.
Ladoja is poised to become the first monarch in Nigeria’s history who has served as senator, governor, and successful billionaire businessman—a trifecta of achievement no other royal figure has matched.
Ibadan is not just crowning a king.
It is crowning a visionary.
Let the sacred tools of Oduduwa be raised once more. Let the ancestral drums roll through the seven hills. Let the world witness the rise of a monarch whose story will inspire generations yet unborn.
Kabiyesi, may your reign be peaceful. May your tenure be long.
Ibadan is about to rise again—stronger, prouder, and more united than ever before.
Let us rise together.
•Mogaji Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
