Seyi Makinde speaking during coronation of Olubadan
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says the coronation of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has finally laid to rest the controversies surrounding the city’s traditional stool.
Makinde spoke on Friday during the coronation and handing of the staff of office to Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Disputes over Ibadan’s succession system had lingered for years following the promotion of 11 high chiefs to obaship status by the late Abiola Ajimobi, the former governor of Oyo state.
The move, later reinforced by Makinde’s signing of the chieftaincy amendment bill, sparked rancour over the established ascension process.
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Ladoja, one of the affected chiefs, rejected the elevation, arguing that it breached the 1957 Ibadan chieftaincy declaration.
He maintained that chiefs in line for the Olubadan throne could not be crowned twice.
The disagreement led to a prolonged legal battle, which stretched into Makinde’s tenure until Ladoja eventually accepted the beaded crown in August 2024.
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However, Makinde told the gathering that the challenges are over with the coronation of the new Olubadan.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to his imperial majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Makinde said.
“The crowd from the airport and the excitement show we must uphold our tradition, and I want to say that today, all challenges associated with Ibadan’s traditional institution are now over and behind us.
“And what it means is that the succession is now sacrosanct. The process. We know everything about the succession.”
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He prayed for Ladoja’s reign to bring peace, progress and prosperity to Ibadanland and Oyo state.
The governor also noted that the event coincided with the reopening of the upgraded Ladoke Akintola Airport, which hosted its first landing — the presidential jet conveying President Bola Tinubu for the coronation.
