The coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has been fixed for September 26.
Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, recently revealed that the event will happen at the Mapo Hall, Oja-Oba, Ibadan, Oyo state.
The coronation date was picked after Governor Seyi Makinde approved Rashidi’s nomination for the throne.
The approval came after a meeting between the state government delegation and Ladoja, as well as members of the Olubadan advisory council, on Wednesday.
The former Oyo State Governor was nominated by the Olubadan-in-council on August 4 following the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.
Speaking to his supporters who stormed his Bodija home to celebrate him, Ladoja disclosed that he never expected to ascend the throne so soon.
“When I heard of Kabiyesi’s (Oba Olakulehin’s) death, it was so painful to me because I told myself that I wasn’t ready. I thought he would reign for maybe five to 10 years, but the deed has been done,” he said.
Stating that it took him over 3 decades since October 1, 1993, when he was installed as Jagun Balogun, to reach the peak of the hierarchy, Rashidi expressed gratitude for being alive to witness the special moment.
Ladoja added that he feels lucky ahead of the much-awaited coronation because many of those who witnessed his installation as Jagun, including MKO Abiola, Lamidi Adedibu and Alao-Akala, are no more.
