Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will, on Friday, September 26, 2025, ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at a coronation ceremony scheduled for the historic Mapo Hall.

This followed Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of Ladoja’s nomination, clearing the path for his enthronement as the paramount ruler of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It was learnt that a state government delegation, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to Ladoja and members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija residence to fine-tune arrangements ahead of the installation.

Confirming the development, Chief Adeola Oloko, media aide to the Olubadan-designate, said: “Oba Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.”

The former Oyo State governor had earlier on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government. The meeting, the first following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, lasted for about two hours.

Ahead of the enthronement, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, yesterday congratulated Ladoja on his official confirmation and approval as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Ogundoyin described the elevation of Oba Ladoja as a momentous development that blends royalty, experience, and statesmanship, adding that Ibadanland is set to witness a new chapter of peace, wisdom, and progress under his reign.

In a statement issued by his media office, the speaker commended Governor Seyi Makinde for granting prompt approval to the nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council, and for upholding the cherished tradition of the Ibadan chieftaincy structure.

He also lauded the Ibadan traditional succession process, calling it one of the most peaceful, organised, and credible royal transition frameworks in Nigeria.

Ogundoyin further acknowledged Oba Ladoja’s remarkable contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, saying his wealth of experience as former governor, senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accomplished politician, and elder statesman would be invaluable in furthering the development and cultural prestige of Ibadanland.