Atiku, El-Rufai, Ayu, other top politicians storm Ibadan in homage to ex-colleague, Ladoja, Olubadan
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The DEFENDER reports that Oba Ladoja was coronated on Friday September 26 as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan Land the former capital of defunct Western Region.
On his five days on the ancestral throne as Olubadan of Ibadan Land, former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday September 30, 2025, led a delegation of other top members of the political class on homage to a former political colleague now paramount traditional ruler in South West Nigeria and has since taken the official name of His Imperial Majesty Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.
The DEFENDER reports that Oba Ladoja was coronated on Friday September 26 as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan Land the former capital of defunct Western Region.
Also on the Atiku-led delegation was an eminent citizen and former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and other top players in the nation’s politics who decided to visit Ladoja known to them as a great mind in the business of national development as former Governor of Oyo State and one time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They were received at the Olubadan’s residence by the Ibadan king himself assisted by his chiefs and Olori.
Later in a post via his verified social media page, Alhaji Atiku write, “Earlier today, I led a delegation of friends and political associates to the ancient city of Ibadan on a congratulatory visit to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“My delegation included the former PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, former Cross River State Governor, Mr Liyel Imoke, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Adamu Maina Waziri, one-time Minister of Police Affairs and Mallam Kashim Imam.
“I was elated that the Olubadan called every member of the delegation by their names, remembering our time together in the public service.
“Indeed, His Royal Highness and all of us had shared decades of time of service to our dear nation.
“I am proud that Kabiyesi, a longstanding associate, has ascended the throne of his forebears.
“I regret my inability to be physically present for the historic coronation due to protocol logistics. Please overlook and forgive me. Mo dobale, Kabiyesi.
“It is my prayer that you will enjoy a long reign in good health and vitality that will usher in more growth, prosperity, and peaceful Ibadanland
“I trust the assurance of Oba Ladoja to serve justice to his people across all religious or political divides.
“I profoundly thank Ibadan people who turned up in their numbers to receive me and my delegation at the city gate. – AA”
It will be recalled that Ladoja was coronated by Governor Oyo State Seyi Makinde as Olubadan of Ibadan Land on Friday September 26, 2025 at an epoch making event attended by ‘who is whio’ including the Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate and Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, History Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Oluwo of Iwo, His Royal Majesty Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, among several other traditional rulers.
President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and former governors among several other political figures also made their presence at the event.
