The Olubadan Palace was agog on Friday as indigenes and royalties of Ibadanland gathered in large numbers to witness the first official traditional function of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.
The event marked a major milestone in the reign of the newly installed monarch, who performed his first traditional duty by promoting five chiefs in the Otun chieftaincy line — the same line from which he ascended the throne.
According to TruthVanta those elevated include Oba (Sir) Eddy Oyewole-Foko, now the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, now the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Hamidu Ajibade, now the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Adebayo Akande, MFR, now the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland; and High Chief Kola Babalola, now the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The newly promoted Obas and Chief arrived at the palace in grand style with their families and well-wishers, as they received the traditional “Ewe Akoko”, the royal leaf symbolizing the official conferment of their new titles. The presentation of the Ewe Akoko is a long-standing cultural ritual in Ibadan, representing honour, elevation, and the continuity of leadership within the city’s traditional hierarchy.
The ceremony, which took place at the Olubadan Palace, was attended by prominent dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Among those present were Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Oba John Isioye Dada, Chief Abiodun Azeez, Chief Akeem Bolaji, and High Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, as well as members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the Iyalode-in-Council.
Other notable guests included a former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, and Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Nigeria’s former Vice President, alongside several eminent personalities from across the country.
The promotion ceremony is widely seen as a symbol of order and continuity in Ibadan’s unique traditional system, where succession to the throne follows a structured and peaceful process.
By elevating the next set of chiefs in line, Oba Ladoja has reaffirmed the stability and respect for hierarchy that has long defined the Olubadan chieftaincy institution.
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