By Ghazali Ibrahim
The ancient city of Ibadan was thrown into frenzy yesterday in celebration of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; a true son of the soil who defied all odds to reach the most coveted royal stool (Olubadan of Ibadan). The city welcomes dignatories, royal fathers and politicians including president Tinubu who is said to be a close ally of Ladoja.
But a question has sparked speculation and raised eyebrows across traditional circles. ‘why Ooni was absent at Olubadan’s coronation?’ even though he has visited the Olubadan-designate days earlier to offer his support. Some people said Ooni was trying to avoid clashing with Alaafin of Oyo due to the supremacy battle between them while to some, it could be purely another reason known to the monarch.
However, Ooni’s media team has clarified the mystery surrounding his notably absence from the coronations. According to the Ooni, the timing of his traditional seven-day seclusion ritual, which is part of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, conflicted with the date of the coronation ceremony.
The seclusion, a spiritual exercise involving meditation, prayer and cleansing rites, is considered sacred and commanded him to withdraw from external engagements.
However, he left seclusion room yesterday which coincides with Ladoja’s coronation day while the festival is concluding on Sunday, 28th October, 2025.
At the coronation event, the Ooni was represented by his wife, Olori Ashley Folasade Ogunwusi, who occupied a prominent seat in his stead.
Meanwhile, the absence of Ooni was widely noted, given the traditional expectation that major Yoruba monarchs attend each other’s crowning ceremonies. But the speculations was reassured by his earlier visit and public statements of support.
Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, in his remarks, commended the Ooni for his sacrifices and role in fostering unity among Yoruba monarchs.
As Ile-Ife proceeds with the climax of the Olojo Festival, attention now turns to how Ooni will formalize his role in the Ladoja-era, and not engage in supremacy battle with him like Alaafin of Oyo.
