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Rashidi Ladoja
The ancient city of Ibadan played host to prominent Nigerians, home and abroad, traditional rulers and politicians, who united to witness the historical inauguration of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The ancient Mapo Hall, venue of the coronation, came alive with pride and celebration on Friday.
The coronation, described to be the apex of a lifelong journey, was a historical moment in Nigeria, as it became the first time that a former governor, senator and successful businessman would become imperial majesty.
Ladoja, who clocked 81 on Thursday, emerged from the civil line of the Olubadan throne, specifically from the Otun Olubadan position, which is the most senior chief in the civil line.
Ibadan’s special rotational traditional system permits throne alternation between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines, a structure which has been carefully maintained for the past 170 years.
The Olubadan stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, at the age of 90 years.
Early on Friday morning, residents and dignitaries had started to storm the iconic Mapo Hall, venue of the event. The gathering of high-ranking traditional rulers, top politicians, religious leaders and business tycoons from every part of Nigeria symbolised national recognition of Ladoja’s significance beyond Yorubaland.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, during a courtesy visit to Ladoja’s residence on Sunday, described Ladoja as a man who has seen it all as a former governor, senator and experienced business magnate.
Also speaking, Peter Obi noted that the socio-economic and political history of Nigeria would not be complete without Ibadan being mentioned, as Ibadanland has always played a pivotal role in both the socio-economic and political history of Nigeria.
Hailing Rashidi Ladoja’s political journey, he stressed that the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has the required experience to uplift the city further.
“The ancient city is blessed with the likes of Ladoja, who has seen it all as former governor and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is expected that his wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new royal assignment as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he said.
Major markets like Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Oje and Ita-merin were temporarily shut as a mark of honour and deep respect for Ibadan traditional institutions. (NAN)
