Governor Makinde Meets Olubadan‑Designate Ladoja Ahead of Historic Coronation

Governor Makinde Meets Olubadan‑Designate Ladoja Ahead of Historic Coronation

Makinde’s visit underscores a bond between modern government and age‑old tradition

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stepped into the Bodija residence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the former governor turned Olubadan‑designate. The governor’s entourage arrived amid a modest but heartfelt welcome, reflecting the deep‑rooted respect Oyo’s political elite hold for the city’s traditional hierarchy.

Makinde’s agenda was clear: pay homage to the man who will soon sit on the historic throne of Ibadan and hash out the logistical details of a coronation that promises to be one of the most elaborate in recent memory. In a brief exchange captured by staff, the governor lauded the “unique succession system” that Ibadan has nurtured for centuries, a system that rotates the throne among several ruling houses to guarantee balance and continuity.

The meeting lasted roughly an hour, during which both men reflected on the challenges facing Ibadan today—urban congestion, youth unemployment, and the need for infrastructural upgrades—while reaffirming that the traditional institution can be a catalyst for community cohesion.

What to expect from the September 26 coronation

Oba Rashidi Ladoja is slated to be crowned the 44th Olubadan on Friday, September 26, 2025. The ceremony, set to unfold within the sprawling palace grounds in the heart of Ibadan, will follow a series of rituals that blend Islamic, Christian, and indigenous customs, symbolizing the city’s pluralistic heritage.

Key elements of the ceremony include:

• A traditional procession featuring drums, royal regalia, and representatives from each ruling house.
• The presentation of the royal stool, a sacred artefact that has passed through generations of Olubadans.
• Address by Governor Makinde, emphasizing government support for cultural preservation.
• Arrival of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including former presidents, governors, and chieftains from other Yoruba kingdoms.
• International guests—Nigerian diaspora leaders and a few foreign cultural attachés—highlighting the global interest in Yoruba tradition.

The governor later posted on his official X account, writing: "We visited my father, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan designate to pay homage earlier today. The visit gave us an opportunity to discuss preparations for the coronation ceremony which will be held soon. We are so proud of our traditional institution in Ibadanland and its unique succession system." The tweet garnered thousands of retweets and sparked a wave of online conversations about the relevance of monarchies in modern Africa.

Beyond the pageantry, the coronation is expected to have tangible economic effects. Local vendors anticipate a surge in sales of ceremonial attire, food, and souvenirs, while hotels in Ibadan are already reporting a 30% increase in bookings for the week surrounding the event. Security agencies have also mobilized additional personnel to ensure a smooth and safe celebration.

Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s dual experience—as a former governor and now a traditional ruler—positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between state policy and customary law. Observers speculate that his reign could usher in collaborative projects, such as public‑private partnerships aimed at renovating historic districts and launching youth empowerment programs rooted in cultural values.

In sum, the August encounter between Makinde and Ladoja was more than a courtesy call; it signaled a deliberate alignment of political authority with cultural legitimacy. As the coronation date draws near, the eyes of Nigerians and the wider Yoruba diaspora will be fixed on Ibadan, awaiting a ceremony that promises to honor centuries of tradition while looking forward to a progressive future.