The ancient Olubadan stool is inching closer to its next chapter as traditional palace drummers are set to resume at the Bodija residence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, in line with Ibadan’s revered chieftaincy customs.

This ceremonial move signals the anticipated arrival of Oba Ladoja in Ibadan this week, as preparations for his enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland gather momentum.

Sources within the palace circle confirmed to journalists that the directive for the movement of the drummers will be formally issued on Tuesday by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland and the most senior high chief in the Olubadan-in-Council.

“With the movement of the drummers, we are expecting the Olubadan-designate in town before the end of the week to commence traditional rites,” a palace source revealed.

The traditional drummers, whose presence heralds the formal commencement of coronation rites in Ibadanland, had delayed their movement due to the extended absence of Oba Ladoja from the city. Their impending arrival is therefore considered a strong signal of the impending enthronement process.

In a related development, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is expected to officially assent to the nomination of Oba Ladoja as the next Olubadan this week.

The Olubadan-in-Council, led by Oba Ajibola, had last week unanimously endorsed Oba Ladoja during a meeting held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The nomination motion was reportedly moved by Oba Ajibola and seconded by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole.

With these developments, all eyes are now on the historic city of Ibadan, where tradition, royalty, and modern governance are set to converge in what promises to be a momentous transition of royal leadership.