The Sultan of Sokoto and chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, have congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a message issued yesterday and signed by Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido, secretary to the Sultanate Council, the Sultan commended the Olubadan-in-Council’s choice of Oba Ladoja as successor to the late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7 and was laid to rest on August 8, 2025.
The confirmation of Oba Ladoja’s ascension came after Governor Seyi Makinde paid homage to him at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Sultan Abubakar praised the new Olubadan’s wealth of experience, describing him as a seasoned businessman, farmer, former federal legislator, and ex-governor of Oyo State. He noted that Ladoja’s long journey through the traditional ranks of Ibadanland had equipped him with the requisite wisdom and leadership capacity to steer the affairs of the ancient kingdom.
Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issued through his press secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, hailed the development, stressing that the throne of Ibadan was divinely ordained.
“Kings are made by God with His divine authority and grace, just like the case of the new Olubadan. He held various positions of authority at various levels of governance before Almighty Allah, in His divine mercies, made him the paramount ruler of Ibadanland,” Sulu-Gambari said.
The Emir, who also conveyed the goodwill of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, urged the Olubadan-in-Council, Ibadan indigenes, the Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, and the government to rally behind the new monarch to ensure a historic and prosperous reign.
