The Olubadan-designate, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, on Tuesday hosted Ibadan kingmakers at his private residence in Old Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area, where discussions centred on the installation process and arrangements for his coronation.
All members of the Olubadan-in-Council were present at the two-hour deliberation, except the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was unavoidably absent but conveyed his apologies.
A statement issued by the media aide to the Olubadan-designate, Chief Adeola Oloko, noted that the meeting commenced at 11:25 a.m. and ended at 1:20 p.m. The kingmakers opened proceedings with a minute of silence in honour of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on 7 July.
The gathering was led by the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, who, alongside other kingmakers, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence. They assured him of their loyalty and prayers for divine guidance, while also pointing to the importance of careful planning for the coronation in view of the large crowd anticipated at the historic event.
In his remarks, Oba Ladoja thanked the council for unanimously endorsing him during his absence and pledged to run an inclusive reign built on collective decision-making. He also drew attention to the key roles of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Araba of Ibadan, and the Oluwo Afobaje in the coronation process, adding that his return to the city paved the way for consultations with the governor to finalise an official date.
“The Olubadan-in-Council will be fully involved, and whoever you nominate into the State Coronation Committee will be forwarded for approval,” he assured the chiefs.
The session ended with lunch, which was attended by prominent members of the council, including Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Oba Abiodun Azeez, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, and High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, who delivered the vote of thanks.
Later in the day, several dignitaries paid courtesy visits to the Olubadan-designate. Among them were former Minister Elder Wole Oyelese and the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin.