The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on Saturday marked his first coronation anniversary with a modest celebration at the Aremo Palace in Ibadan.
The ceremony, held exactly one year after Oba Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, attracted members of the royal family, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, political figures and other guests.
Proceedings began with the arrival of the monarch’s wife, Olori Rashidat Ladoja, and his son, Prince Muyideen Adedamola Ladoja, alongside other members of the royal family.
They were followed by Ibadan high chiefs and other dignitaries, including Alhaja Tawakalitu Alli, wife of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
The anniversary ceremony featured prayers by adherents of the three major religious traditions in Ibadan — traditional religion, Christianity and Islam.
Leading the traditional prayer, Araba Olu Isese Ifalere prayed for a peaceful and prosperous reign for the Olubadan and called for religious harmony and mutual respect among residents of Ibadanland.
Iyanifa Ifagbamila Ifadara also offered prayers and expressed the support of the traditional religious community for the monarch and the Olubadan institution.
Christian clerics and worshippers subsequently offered prayers and rendered hymns from the Christ Apostolic Church hymnal.
During the Christian session, the presiding cleric spoke on the importance of patience and divine timing, drawing lessons from Oba Ladoja’s journey through business, politics and traditional leadership before his eventual emergence as Olubadan.
The cleric recalled that the monarch had served as a senator and governor of Oyo State before ascending the Olubadan throne, urging those at the gathering to remain patient and steadfast in pursuing their aspirations.
The Islamic prayer session began with a recitation from the Qur’an by Alfa Habeeb.
Alhaji Bashir Folorunso spoke on leadership and the responsibilities attached to positions of authority, while Imam Gbagi offered prayers for the Olubadan, Ibadanland and its residents.
The arrival of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District and is the APC candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, also drew attention at the ceremony.
Alli paid homage to the traditional rulers and chiefs at the gathering before taking his seat.
The Aare Gbogbo Omo Ibadan, Chief Adeola Oloko, also addressed guests at the event, reflecting on Oba Ladoja’s first year on the throne and offering prayers for the monarch.
The ceremony ended with guests joining in songs and thanksgiving to commemorate the Olubadan’s first coronation anniversary.
Oba Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at Mapo Hall on September 26, 2025, succeeding the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The first anniversary comes a day after the monarch marked his 82nd birthday on September 25.
