By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan, Oyo State — As Ibadanland prepares for the historic coronation of its 44th Olubadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the monarch-designate at his Bodija residence.
Ajadi, a businessman and politician who flew the NNPP flag as Ogun State governorship candidate in 2023, described Ladoja as “a father and lover of mankind,” adding that his leadership has left indelible marks on Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Ajadi’s Political Journey and Counsel from the Throne
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who has remained a visible figure in the NNPP, is known for his grassroots mobilisation, philanthropy, and advocacy for youth in governance. As the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State in 2023, he campaigned on transparency, inclusivity, and economic reforms.
“Baba Ladoja is a father to all of us, many people like him and love to relate with him. I’m happy to be in his house today.
He is a special creation and I’m here to tap his anointing of success, being a God’s special creation who has impacted positively on Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Ajadi told journalists during the visit.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the success of the coronation scheduled for next week Friday, describing it as “a great event which must be witnessed by many prominent Nigerians.”
In his remarks during the visit, Oba Ladoja prayed for Ajadi’s political aspirations and offered words of wisdom on the true essence of leadership:
“Politics is a good thing; it is not a dirty game as some people call it, unless politicians choose to dirty it.
Politicians should not see politics as a source of living. They should have something to do aside from politics.
I urge you, Ajadi, not to join politics because of what you want to gain but to always put the interest of the people at heart.”
Ladoja: From Governor to Olubadan-Designate
Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja is widely respected for his blend of business acumen, political experience, and community service. Educated at Ibadan Boys’ High School, Olivet Baptist High School, and the University of Liège in Belgium, where he studied Chemical Engineering, Ladoja returned to Nigeria to serve with Total Nigeria Plc before venturing into private business in manufacturing, shipping, banking, and agriculture.
He first entered politics as a senator during the short-lived Third Republic in 1993 and later emerged as the Governor of Oyo State in 2003. Though his tenure was turbulent, including a controversial impeachment later overturned by the Supreme Court, Ladoja earned a reputation as a resilient statesman who prioritised public interest over political battles.
Now, as the Otun Olubadan — the highest rank in the civil line of succession — Ladoja stands at the threshold of Ibadan’s highest traditional stool, following decades of steady ascension through the city’s unique and merit-based chieftaincy system.
The Olubadan Stool: Ibadan’s Symbol of Merit and Tradition
Unlike hereditary monarchies, Ibadan’s throne is attained strictly by seniority through two parallel lines: Otun (civil) and Balogun (military). Successive chiefs climb the ladder for decades until the most senior becomes Olubadan. This system, praised for its fairness, produces rulers seasoned in both civic and community leadership.
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For many in Ibadan, Ladoja’s coronation symbolises not only continuity of culture but also the fusion of tradition with modern political wisdom. His unique journey from senator and governor to monarch underscores the enduring strength of the Olubadan institution.
The Olubadan-designate thanked Ajadi and his entourage, which included NNPP Southwest PRO, Hon. Kilamuwaye Badmus; Ogun State Woman Leader, Hon. Precious Bagbasoro; and Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Akingbala Semiu, among others.
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Tradition Meets Politics
As the coronation day draws near, Ibadanland looks to the future with expectation. For Ajadi, the homage was both a gesture of cultural reverence and political alignment. For Ladoja, it was a reminder that the Olubadan stool is not only a custodian of Ibadan’s heritage but also a moral compass for Nigeria’s contemporary leadership.
