All hail the king: A testament to perseverance

BY SHOLA ADEBOWALE

In the storied city of Ibadan, where ancient traditions meet modern grandeur, a new monarch has ascended to the throne. Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, a stalwart statesman and former governor of Oyo state, has been enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, marking a triumphant chapter in the city’s rich history, as the very first elected governor to become a king in the Southern part of Nigeria.

Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, has a long history of innovation and progress. It was the first city in Nigeria to have a skyscraper, the iconic Cocoa House, which was completed in 1965. The city is also home to the University of Ibadan, the first university in Nigeria, and the University College Hospital, one of the country’s premier healthcare institutions. Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage and history of innovation make it a fitting place for Ladoja’s enthronement.

This impressive backdrop sets the stage for Ladoja’s remarkable journey to the throne, a veritable odyssey replete with challenges and controversies. Born on September 25, 1944, he has traversed the realms of politics, business, and public service with unwavering resolve. His educational pedigree, which includes a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium, has served as a sturdy foundation for his illustrious career.

Ladoja’s early life and education laid the groundwork for his future success. According to reliable sources, he attended Ibadan Boys High School from 1958 to 1963 and later attended Olivet Baptist High School from 1964 to 1965, before pursuing his higher education abroad. Upon returning to Nigeria, he worked with Total Nigeria for 13 years before venturing into private enterprise. His business interests are diverse, spanning shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and transportation. Ladoja’s experience in politics began early, and he served as a Senator representing Oyo South from 1992 to 1993.

However, Ladoja’s path to the throne was not without its tempests. His battle with former Governor Abiola Ajimobi over the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration was a defining moment in his journey. The proposed reform, which aimed to elevate high chiefs to beaded-crown-wearing Obas, was met with fierce resistance from Ladoja, who argued that it would disrupt the traditional hierarchical structure and undermine the Olubadan’s authority. Ladoja took Ajimobi’s reforms to court, asserting that the governor’s actions violated the 1957 Chieftaincy Law and threatened the sanctity of Ibadan’s succession order. The courts ultimately nullified the controversial chieftaincy review, affirming the primacy of the traditional succession order.

Ladoja’s feud with the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, a powerful political figure in Oyo State, was another notable controversy that tested his mettle. Adedibu’s public claim that Ladoja received ₦65 million monthly in security votes and demanded ₦15 million of it for himself sparked a bitter and public falling out between the two. Ladoja’s refusal to succumb to Adedibu’s demands ultimately led to his impeachment in 2006, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court as illegal. Specifically, Ladoja was impeached on January 12, 2006, but reinstated on December 12, 2006, after the Supreme Court confirmed the Appeal Court’s decision nullifying the impeachment.

Despite these challenges, Ladoja has emerged victorious, his perseverance and resilience earning him the respect and admiration of his peers. His enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his community and his unshakeable resolve. As Ladoja assumes the throne, he carries with him a wealth of experience and leadership skills honed over decades of public service. His appeal to President Tinubu to create an Ibadan State underscores his commitment to the region’s development and autonomy. With his enthronement, Ibadan indigenes and the Yoruba nation at large now look forward to a reign of peace, prosperity, and cultural renaissance under the leadership of Oba Ladoja.

The coronation ceremony, held on September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, was attended by notable dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who praised Ladoja’s perseverance, resilience, and reliability. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State emphasized the importance of upholding the Olubadan tradition and succession process. Other prominent figures in attendance included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers.

The coincidence that Ladoja was born in 1944 and has become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has sparked conversation and reflection on the significance of numbers in his life and reign. As the 44th Olubadan, Ladoja is expected to bring his wealth of experience and leadership skills to the throne, guiding Ibadan toward a brighter future. With his enthronement, Ladoja is poised to leave a lasting legacy on Ibadan and the Yoruba nation. His commitment to preserving Ibadan’s unique identity and cultural legacy is expected to shape the city’s future. As the 44th Olubadan, Ladoja’s leadership will be crucial in promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.

As Ibadan looks to the future, it is clear that Ladoja’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping the city’s destiny. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and innovative spirit, Ibadan is poised to continue as a pacesetting city, leading the way in Nigeria’s development and progress. Under Ladoja’s guidance, Ibadan is expected to flourish, becoming a model for other cities in Nigeria and beyond.

‎Shola Adebowale can be contacted via [email protected]