The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, alongside the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, have extended their warm felicitations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his official emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the throne followed the demise of his predecessor, the late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed on July 7, 2025, and was laid to rest on August 8.
His selection was unanimously confirmed by the Olubadan-in-Council and further cemented when Governor Seyi Makinde paid him homage at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Wednesday.
In his congratulatory message, issued yesterday and signed by Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido, Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Sultan Abubakar described the new Olubadan as a leader well-prepared for the throne.
He highlighted Oba Ladoja’s extensive journey through the traditional hierarchy of Ibadanland, coupled with his wealth of experience as a businessman, farmer, federal legislator, and former governor of Oyo State.
The Sultan expressed confidence that these qualities would enable him to bring wisdom, stability, and progress to the Ibadan Kingdom.
Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations through a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
The Emir emphasized that kingship is a divine institution, declaring, “Kings are made by God with His divine authority and grace, and the case of the new Olubadan is no exception.
Having served in various leadership capacities before Almighty Allah, he has now been elevated to serve as the paramount ruler of the great Ibadanland.”
Sulu-Gambari further conveyed the goodwill of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council to Oba Ladoja, wishing him a successful and impactful reign.
He appealed to the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadan, the Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, the government, and even the people of Kwara State to unite in full support of the new monarch to make his reign truly historic and memorable.