Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of former governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The approval follows the unanimous endorsement of Ladoja by the Olubadan-in-Council earlier this month, after the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. With the governor’s confirmation, preparations for Ladoja’s coronation and presentation of the staff of office will now begin in earnest.
Governor Makinde, while signing the approval letter, emphasized his administration’s commitment to preserving the dignity of Ibadan’s traditional institution and ensuring a smooth transition in line with the city’s unique succession system.
Baba Ladoja, who previously served as the Otun Olubadan, is set to make history as the first former civilian governor to ascend the ancient throne. His coronation is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and the Yoruba diaspora.
The Olubadan stool remains one of the most revered in Yorubaland, with Ibadan’s succession process celebrated for its orderliness and transparency.
Téńté lọ́wọ́ yóò máa yọ jorí lọ.
Olúbàdàn yóò pẹ́ láàfin!
Àtẹ̀pẹ́lẹṣẹ̀ ẹ́ tẹ̀nà.
Adé á pẹ́ lórí, Kábíyèsí!
Bàtà á pẹ́ l’ẹ́ṣẹ̀ Ọba!
Ìrùkẹ̀rẹ̀ á pẹ́ l’ọ́wọ́ baba Olúbàdàn!
Gbogbo ìjòyè á rímú mí!
Ọmọ àti ará ìlú yóò gbádùn ìgbà yìí!
Ami ati Ase!
