Ibadan is not just getting a king. It is getting a kingmaker.
Ibadan: The Nerve Centre of Yoruba Civilization
For centuries, Ibadan has stood tall as the military, political, and cultural fortress of the Yoruba people. Born out of resilience and brilliance, Ibadan has produced leaders, warriors, intellectuals, and reformers who shaped not just the Yoruba identity but Nigeria at large.
From its legendary war generals to its trailblazing politicians, Ibadan has always been the city where power and history are written. And now, the city is once again on the global stage as it crowns a monarch with an unmatched résumé in Nigeria’s modern history.
Who is Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja?
Unlike many traditional rulers who ascend thrones solely by heritage, Ladoja brings into the Olubadan stool
a remarkable blend of wealth, political reach, and influence.
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A Business Mogul: His name rings across Nigeria’s corporate world, with investments and interests that have stood the test of time.
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A Political Force: As a senator and former governor of Oyo State, he has navigated the corridors of power at the highest levels, building alliances that cut across party lines and regions.
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A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity: The Ankara-wearing governor, Ladoja, represents a rare kind of leader, one with deep roots in Yoruba tradition yet firmly connected to Nigeria’s current political and economic realities.
Why This Matters
The Olubadan stool has always been one of the most respected in Yoruba land because of its unique merit-based ascension system, where no one is born king but must patiently climb the traditional ladder. In Ladoja, Ibadan is crowning not only a custodian of culture but also a man whose voice carries weight nationally.
At a time when Nigeria faces political realignments and economic shifts, the new Olubadan stands as a figure whose influence could redefine the role of traditional rulers in shaping discourse and unity.
The Future of Ibadan Under Ladoja
With his network, resources, and statesmanship, Ibadan is poised to reclaim its central role in Yoruba civilization, not only as a historical city but as a hub of modern development and political significance. For the Yoruba nation, this coronation is more than a ceremony; it is a reawakening of Ibadan’s age-old role as the power capital of the Southwest.
