…as new monarch’s coronation kicks off Sept 22
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, has asked the management of the University of Ibadan to harness the strengths of other research institutes in Ibadan to facilitate the fulfilment of its mandate for the betterment of the people of the ancient city.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, stated this while receiving the principal officers of the university, led by Kayode Adebowale, professor and the vice chancellor, who paid him a courtesy visit to congratulate him on his designation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He said that Ibadan people have been generous in yielding land for the establishment of institutions of higher learning and research institutes, consequently making Ibadan an intellectual hub in Nigeria.
The premier university, he noted, can maintain its premier status due to its extensive reach, personified by its numerous alumni who have positively impacted society.
He also stated that the people of Ibadan are proud of UI as a heritage; therefore, the university should always count on their support.
“Despite the proliferation of universities in Nigeria, which began with the first generation of federal universities, there is no gainsaying the fact that UI has been making great strides in Nigeria and across the globe, thus sustaining its legacy as the first and best university in Nigeria.
He pledged the university management that he would do everything within his power to promote the institution.
Adebowale, reiterated that the university owes its existence to the generosity of the Ibadan people, which depicts the hospitality for which Ibadan is well known.
The VC assured of the university’s steadfast partnership in the development of Ibadanland, pledging that UI will continue to work with the Olubadan’s palace, through collaborations with relevant departments and institutes within the university on initiatives that will preserve and promote the rich culture of the Ibadan people.
He assured that the university would remain committed to community development, pledging that it, with its vast intellectual resources, would be at the disposal of the palace for policy advisory services, planning, and the execution of projects for the benefit of the people.
Meanwhile, the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja will kick off September 22, 2025, with the inaugural of the committee meeting under the chairmanship of Bayo Oyero.
The meeting, which had Demola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, in attendance deliberated on the September 26, 2025 event.
During the meeting, a one-week programme of activities was agreed upon.
Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information, in a release said that the programme will start on Monday, September 22, 2025, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace Oke Aremo to be organised by the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
This will be followed by Cultural Day on Tuesday promoted by the CCII and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
According to the release there will be a Coronation Lecture to be delivered by Toyin Falola, a professor.
Thursday will witness mega praise worship at the Civic Centre Idi Ape while on Friday the coronation of the new Olubadan will take place at Mapo Hall.
