The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, held his first formal meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council on Tuesday, setting in motion the final processes for his enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The meeting, which was ongoing as of press time, marked Ladoja’s maiden attendance at the traditional council gathering since his nomination last week. Sources confirmed that all members of the council were in attendance.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State (2003–2007), returned to Ibadan on Monday after being out of the city. He first paid homage to his extended family at the Arusa Compound in Isale Osi before receiving scores of well-wishers at his residence in Bodija.

Addressing supporters, Ladoja expressed gratitude for their solidarity and assured them that he would immediately begin consultations with key stakeholders, including the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oluwo of Ibadanland, the Araba (chief priest), and Governor Seyi Makinde, to facilitate a smooth coronation process.

Tuesday’s meeting aligns with that assurance and is expected to formalise modalities for the traditional rites, presentation to the state government, and eventual confirmation by Governor Makinde.

The stool of Olubadan became vacant following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, on March 14, 2024, after two years on the throne. By Ibadan’s unique succession arrangement, where elevation follows seniority among the two ruling lines — Otun and Balogun — Ladoja, as the most senior high chief, emerged as the next in line.

His nomination has attracted wide interest across Oyo State, not only because of his political stature as a former governor and senator, but also due to his past disagreements with the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi over the 2017 controversial elevation of Ibadan high chiefs to crown-wearing Obas, a move Ladoja vehemently opposed in court. The crisis was only resolved after Governor Makinde withdrew the gazette and restored the traditional hierarchy in 2019.

With the Tuesday meeting, attention now shifts to when Governor Makinde will formally approve and announce the coronation date, a development eagerly awaited by Ibadan indigenes and the wider Yoruba traditional council community. (The Guardian)