Members of Olubadan-In-Council, on Tuesday, rose from a two-hour closed-door meeting with the Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, to formally welcome him back home and discuss installation plans.
This was contained in a statement released by Oba Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The PUNCH reports that it was their first meeting with Ladoja in the past two-and-a-half months.
The meeting, which took place between 11.25 am and 1.20 pm at his Ondo Street, Bodija private residence, observed one minute silence in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Ladoja made his first public appearance on Monday at his family compound in Isale-Osi, in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state, since Monday, July 7, 2025, when Olakulehin joined his ancestors at the age of 90.
The council, led by Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, congratulated Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan.
He said, “The public expectation over you is very high, and we promised to continue to pray to God to give you unction to function.”
Members later discussed issues concerning his (Ladoja) coronation, especially as it affects cultural and ceremonial.
“We envisaged that an unprecedented crowd of people would be attending the coronation, and as such, we should get everything right. “Kabiyesi, Sir. We are willing to serve in whatever capacity you so wish before, during and after the coronation,” he added.
The Olubadan-elect, Ladoja, had earlier appreciated all the members of the council for their unanimous ratification of his candidacy as the next Olubadan, even though he was not at home.
He promised them that as Olubadan, he would run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration their opinions.
“Let me appreciate you all (the entire Olubadan-In-Council) over your unanimous ratification of my candidacy as the next Olubadan, even though I was not at home.
“I want to promise you that as Olubadan, I would run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration your opinions,” he said.
He, therefore, solicited their support and co-operation in taking Ibadan to the next level.
“As for the coronation ceremony, the State Governor, Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders, like the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje have an important role to play in the coronation,” he said.
He added that now that he is back home, the council can meet to discuss the coronation details with Makinde.
“It is after this is done that the date agreed upon would be announced,” he added.
Olubadan-elect assured them that the council would be carried along by him, and whoever they nominate in the state coronation committee will be sent to the state for approval.
They later had lunch.
Present at the meeting were Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez.
Others include Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.
High Chief Alli gave the vote of thanks.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, was believed to have sent his apologies for being absent.
Several other dignitaries also visited Ladoja.
They were former Minister Wole Oyelese, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, and Senator Teslim Folarin, among others.
