The coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, was a historic event that attracted dignitaries across Nigeria, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors, former Governors, Traditional rulers, and political leaders.
The ceremony, which began amid high anticipation, witnessed moments of tension that were later calmed by Fuji star, Alhaji Taiye Adebisi, popularly known as “Currency.”
Mogaji Wole Arisekola, a member of the Ibadan Royalty Committee, clarified that Taiye Currency’s song, “Were la fi nwo were”, which went viral on social media, was wrongly interpreted as a derogatory remark to the crowd.
According to him, the performance was actually an intervention to douse brewing tension following the arrival of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, whose presence angered some youths.
Arisekola explained that the song helped pacify the agitated youths and prevented possible chaos at the venue, stressing that Currency’s intervention “saved the day.”
“Trouble began when the controversial Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, appeared at the venue. Declared persona non grata in Ibadan for disrespecting the sacred Oloolu Masquerade, his presence incensed a band of fiery Ibadan youths. They surged against security operatives, threatening chaos. It took the swift mediation of elders and the commanding voice of Taiye Currency, to pacify the boys.” He said
“The song was not an insult; it was the only language they understood. Instantly, fists turned to dancing, and fury melted into rhythm. That was the genius of music in moments of tension.” He continued
The coronation also provided Oba Ladoja an opportunity to call on President Tinubu to facilitate the creation of Ibadan State, describing it as a long-standing aspiration of the people.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and respected statesman, was praised for his resilience, political experience, and closeness to the grassroots. His ascension to the throne was widely described as a symbol of unity, restoration, and renewed identity for Ibadan.
The event drew notable Ibadan sons and daughters, including Professor Afolabi, Chief Bola Doherty, Professor Soji Adejumo, Senator Kola Balogun, Oloye Aboderin, Colonel Akerele (rtd.), and Chief Ganiyu Kola Balogun.
Although the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, were absent, both have pledged to visit the new monarch.
The coronation, steeped in Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage, was described by many as a rebirth for the ancient city. At the close of the event, elders declared that Ibadan had “risen again and shall never fall.”
