PHOTO NEWS: Olubadan marks 82nd birthday, first coronation anniversary with Umrah, prayers for Nigeria in Saudi Arabia
*Sultan, Oluwo hail Ibadan monarch
By KEMI KASUMU
The prominent Yoruba monarch, who is former senator and former Governor of Oyo State, prayed for the peace of Nigeria, Oyo State and Ibadan Land, where he became the paramount ruler on 26th September 2025 and sought the help of Allah for the successful conduct of the coming transition elections in the country.
The Olubadan of Ibadan Land, South West Nigeria, His Imperial Majesty Oba Senator Rashidi Adewole Ladoja Arusa I, has performed the Lesser Hajj (Umrah) at the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah after doing siyarah (visit) to the mosque of Holy Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to an exclusive WhatsApp chat with The DEFENDER Newspaper on Tuesday September, 2026, the Olubadan said, “I was born on 25/09/1944 and coronation date 26/09/2025” and had thus chosen to perform the Umrah, a meritorious act of worship for Allah in line with the practice of Holy Prophet Muhammad pbuh in marking both his 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary dated September 25th and 26th September, respectively, at the Holy Land.
The prominent Yoruba monarch, who is former senator and former Governor of Oyo State, prayed for the peace of Nigeria, Oyo State and Ibadan Land, where he became the paramount ruler on 26th September 2025 and sought the help of Allah for the successful conduct of the coming transition elections in the country.
Oba Ladoja is accompanied on this holy pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah by his son, Prince Adesola Ladoja, and PA Olubadan, Mogaji Gbadeyanka Muktar Adewale, P A olubadan
Earlier on Tuesday September 29, the Sultan of Sokoto had saluted the Olubadan on his 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary wishing him acceptable Umrah.
In a congratulatory message, signed on behalf of his media team by Prince Bashir Adefaka and dated Tuesday September 29, 2026, the Sultan expressed admiration for the Olubadan’s recognition of Allah as his Creator and the ultimate source of his achievements throughout his life.
The Sultan noted that Oba Ladoja’s remarkable journey has seen him succeed as a businessman, attain the position of Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, serve as Governor of Oyo State and, having risen through the traditional ranks, eventually ascend the throne as the Olubadan of Ibadan Land.
According to the Sultan, the Olubadan’s decision to dedicate his 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary to the worship of Allah through the performance of Umrah represents a profound expression of gratitude to his Creator.
“We are happy and rejoice with His Imperial Majesty, my friend and a very good servant of Allah, who is today in a position of traditional authority serving his people as the Olubadan of Ibadan Land.
“Knowing that Umrah is one of the best ways to celebrate a birthday and coronation anniversary at this time is a great success that Olubadan has achieved, and we identify with him.
“We urge him to pray more for Nigeria’s peaceful elections come 2027, and to pray for Ibadan Land and Oyo State in particular,” the Sultan said.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar prayed that Allah would accept the Olubadan’s Umrah as an act of Ibadah and grant him many more years in good health and continued service to humanity.
“May Allah accept his Umrah as an act of Ibadah. Ameen,” the Sultan prayed.
Oluwo greets Olubadan
In celebrating the Olubadan at 82 and one year coronation anniversary, Oluwo of Iwo Land, Emperor AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, said the politician turned monarch has manifested representation of pure and unadulterated monarchy by dedicating himself and crown to Allah hence the choice to celebrate his 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary with Umrah as against merry making here at home.
“I specially celebrate the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his 82nd birthday and 1 year coronation anniversary as the Paramount Ruler of Ibadanland.
“Oba Adewolu Ladoja has manifested the representation of pure and unadulterated monarchy by dedicating himself and crown to Olodumare (God). The best praises are those directed to Olodumare most especially by crowns who are physical representations of God on earth.
“I am happier to see Olubadan going bearheaded in Mecca in commemoration of his 82nd birthday and 1st Coronation anniversary as the Olubadan.
“Best thrones are those dedicated to God and not deities. God is everywhere. OBA Adewolu Ladoja honoured God not deities. I have honoured God in such manner too. No monarch should he bigger to open his head in deference to God.
“May God continue to strengthen you. Ibadan will continue to be greater under your traditional leadership. I have strong hope in Olodumare that the crown will glue to your head for long. You have established yourself as a distinguished monarch with a refined approach.
“The path of honour you have lubricated will be a template for sustenance of pure Yoruba Kingship.
“Your distinction is not without history. As a former Senator and Governor to mount the throne of Olubadan, you must make a monumental difference, part of which Ibadan is currently experiencing.
“I celebrate you, both your birthday and coronation anniversary. Once again, happy birthday Baba,” Oluwo said in a statement by Alli Ibraheem, his Chief Press Secretary.
