Celebrated historian and African Studies scholar, Professor Toyin Falola, has expressed confidence that the installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland will herald a new era of modernisation for the historic city.
Falola, a native of Ibadan and the current Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas, said Ladoja’s rich background in politics, business, and governance positions him uniquely to transform Ibadan’s traditional structure into a model of urban development and cultural renaissance.
He made the remarks while speaking with journalists shortly after delivering the Olubadan Coronation Lecture held in honour of Oba Ladoja at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The lecture, titled “Ibadan in History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,” drew a wide and distinguished audience, including traditional rulers, Mogajis (compound heads), Baales (community leaders), academics, researchers, and representatives of various civic groups.
Reflecting on the theme of his lecture, Prof. Falola revealed that preparing for the event challenged him to revisit his extensive body of work on Ibadan. What began as lecture notes, he said, evolved into a comprehensive 400-page manuscript that will soon be published as a book.
“The city of Ibadan stands at a crossroads between preserving its deep-rooted traditions and embracing necessary reforms,” he said. “Oba Ladoja is well-suited to bridge that gap. With his experience as a former governor, senator, and successful entrepreneur, he has the vision and capacity to modernise Ibadan without eroding its cultural identity.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, also hailed Oba Ladoja’s ascension, predicting that his reign would bring unity, stability, and growth to Ibadanland. He expressed optimism that the new monarch’s leadership would attract innovation and development to the region.
Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, noted the historical significance of the event, pointing out that it marked the first time a pre-coronation lecture had been held in Ibadan’s long royal history—signaling a symbolic shift toward blending tradition with intellectual engagement.
Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has extended his congratulations to Oba Ladoja ahead of his official coronation, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
In a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Chief Obasanjo, in a Yoruba royalty salutation, prays: “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese” (may you reign long), noting that the coronation was only a formality.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, currently in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, has extended early congratulations to Oba Rashidi Ladoja ahead of his formal installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Obasanjo, in a congratulatory letter dated July 14, 2025, said: “Although the formal elevation of you to the throne as Olubadan of Ibadan has not been made, by convention, the announcement, which should only be a formality, should come sooner than later. Meanwhile, I take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance of formal announcement. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese (may you reign long).
“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed. “Traditional ruler-ship does not compete or conflict with political ruler-ship.
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“I wish you all the best and the grace, guide and direction of Almighty God.”
There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be in Ibadan tomorrow to witness the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan.
This is because advance members of the Presidency arrived at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan at exactly 9:14am yesterday to the joy of everyone in the vicinity.
The flight came ahead of the Presidential arrival scheduled for tomorrow.
It was the first time Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport received an aircraft since being closed down in March for upgrade to international standard.
The successful landing underscores the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructures to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.
With the Presidency flight scheduled to follow soon, this inaugural flight since March sets a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.
Recall that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in September 2024 performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade.
He said at the event that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
The governor noted: “The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for business and leisure travellers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.”
The Makinde administration had upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge and provided a fire truck.
It also installed 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
