Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the Olubadan-designate, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, ahead of his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo urged the former Oyo State governor to embrace humility, patience, divine wisdom, and tolerance to succeed in the exalted traditional role.

“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,” Obasanjo said.

The former president further advised Ladoja to clearly distinguish politics from tradition.
“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guidance, and direction of Almighty God,” he added.

In August, the Olubadan-In-Council unanimously endorsed Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan, as the next monarch following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.

As Otun Olubadan the highest-ranking chief in the civil line Ladoja was next in line for the throne under Ibadan’s unique rotational succession system.

His coronation at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, is expected to draw President Bola Tinubu, prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, captains of industry, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes.