Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will be present at his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Olubadan of Ibadanland, scheduled for 26 September, 2025.
Oba Ladoja, a former federal lawmaker and former governor of Oyo State, said this when a delegation from Ode-Omu, Osun State, paid him a royal visit at his Bodija residence, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by the Balogun of Ode-Omu, Chief Adebayo Adeyinfa.
Tinubu has been a friend to Oba Ladoja as both were in the Senate in the defunct Third Republic and also governors in the Fourth Republic.
‘’Many personalities in Osun State have visited me. Governor Ademola Adeleke, former governors from the state have come. Adegboyega Oyetola sent a message.
“Oyetola knows the relationship between me and the Leader of the country. The leader of the country (President Tinubu) will grace my coronation. He will come around,” Oba Ladoja declared.
The Olubadan-designate also stressed that he will prioritise security during his reign and called on all and sundry to join hands to protect Ibadan and Yoruba territories.
Oba Ladoja urged all sons and daughters of Ibadan and Yorubaland to unite in safeguarding their land and ensuring lasting peace and security.
“We must defend Ibadanland. We must ensure that our city is safe and secure for everyone. All hands must be on deck to guarantee the safety of Ibadan and the entire Yorubaland.”
Ladoja Tells Farounbi, Adeniran: I Need Your Support
In another development, Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday called for the support of a former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, and other intellectuals for him to lead Ibadanland effectively.
He made the call when Adeniran, Farounbi, and Professor Soji Adejumo paid him a courtesy visit at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.
They congratulated Oba Ladoja for the opportunity to ascend to the throne of his forbears, and prayed that Ibadan would witness development under Oba Ladoja’s leadership.
Dr Farounbi said the Olubadan-designate represented everything the intellectual community stood for.
Everyone has been waiting for today. I am happy to hear the news. You represent everything we stand for. Ibadan is our pride; it is the intellectual capital of Nigeria.
Ibadan has favoured numerous people. Ibadan provided security to the Yoruba, because you defeated those who waged wars against us. Ibadan had five war lords. There must be peace in Yorubaland,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Adeniran said: ‘’Oba Ladoja is a unique gift, not only to Ibadanland, but also Yorubaland, Nigeria and Africa.
“It is unusual to someone who has gone through the crucibles of all aspects of life. In academics, he is a first-class brain.
“Oba Ladoja came out top in the private sector, and established himself as a businessman. He made his marks in politics, by providing good governance and earning credibility.
“He is coming to serve the people now with his experience and passion. His expansive networks will benefit the people. Expectations are high. We have to rally round him.’’
Responding, Oba Ladoja sought the support of Dr Farounbi, Professor Adeniran and intellectuals for the success of his leadership as the Olubadan.
He said: ‘’We have to find a way of running the administration without being subservient to anybody. I will need the support of the intellectuals. I will just be coordinating.’’
