Ibadan’s monarch-in-waiting, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has pledged to step back into the classroom after his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He promised to teach Mathematics and Physics to students of his alma mater, Ibadan Boys’ High School.
Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and seasoned Ibadan High Chief, made the vow on Monday when the school’s principal, Rasheed Fasasi, led a delegation of the management team to pay him a courtesy visit at his Bodija residence.
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The Olubadan-designate, who once served as a teacher at the same school, said the planned visit after his coronation would allow him to reconnect with his academic roots and inspire a new generation of learners.
“Beyond being an alumnus of the school, I was also a former teacher here, where I taught Mathematics and Physics. So, during my visit after the coronation, I will engage the students in classwork,” Ladoja said.
He thanked the principal and management for sustaining the school’s legacy and assured that his reign would uphold the values of knowledge, culture, and mentorship.
Although Ibadan’s traditional rulers have historically had strong links with education, none of Ladoja’s predecessors, it was gathered, is known to have returned to active classroom teaching after ascending the throne.
Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, who reigned from 2007 to 2016, began his career as a teacher in the 1930s before joining the colonial army and later politics.
For his part, Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan, worked as a university lecturer before his political journey.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ladoja’s immediate predecessor, also taught briefly as a primary school teacher in Wakajaiye before pursuing technical studies.
However, their teaching careers ended long before they wore the beaded crown.
None of them made a point of returning to the classroom after coronation.
Earlier, Principal Fasasi said the monarch’s promise would rekindle pride among the students and inspire them to greater heights.
He congratulated Ladoja on his forthcoming coronation and wished him a peaceful reign.
Ladoja, who emerged as Olubadan-designate following the death of Oba Olakulehin in July, is set to become the 44th Olubadan under Ibadan’s celebrated merit-based succession system.