Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, erupted in celebration on Friday as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at a grand ceremony in Mapo Hall.
The coronation attracted President Bola Tinubu, governors, royal fathers, and prominent Nigerians, marking a historic moment for Ibadan’s revered monarchy.
Ladoja, an elder statesman, businessman, and former governor of Oyo State, ascended the throne after decades of climbing Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy ladder.
A symbolic last bow
The day’s most defining moment came when Oba Ladoja performed what many described as his “last prostration” before assuming the crown.
A viral clip captured the monarch bowing in humility, with captions declaring: “Today is the last time Oba Adewolu Ladoja will ever prostrate for anyone again. Long live the king.”
The gesture resonated deeply with cultural enthusiasts, who viewed it as the closing of one chapter in his life and the beginning of another.
Mixed reactions trail coronation
While many hailed the ascension as a triumph for Yoruba tradition, some Nigerians online expressed scepticism about the durability of the reign due to the monarch’s age.
Others praised the orderly succession system of Ibadan, which allows virtually every chief a chance to rise to the throne.
For some, the moment was about cultural preservation. One user wrote: “I love cultures so so much.” Another added: “Long live the king.”
Public reactions
The coronation also sparked heated banter on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens weighing in:
GodswillHarvest: “May his reign be peaceful.”
BigTinzy: “This one set no go reach 2 years for throne.”
FinegirlDami: “Long live the king.”
TechTrooperX: “W Ladoja.”
Hunchojnr4765: “Lol e no fit prostrate for president too?”
The range of comments reflects both admiration and scepticism, but one theme was clear the symbolic weight of Ladoja’s “last bow” has left an indelible mark in Yoruba cultural memory.
Watch the video below…
The moment Oba Adewolu Ladoja did his last public prostration. Today is the last time he would ever prostrate for anyone again. Long live the king ❤️👑 pic.twitter.com/ZdxVwaiNtw
— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) September 26, 2025