Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The palace in Ibadan is still echoing with songs of praise as a message arrived from Sokoto. It carried the seal of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and it was addressed to a fellow custodian of tradition — the new Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The Sultan’s words were not clipped or ceremonial. They carried warmth, respect, and the weight of history:
“The Sultanate Council congratulates the entire people of Ibadanland on the successful coronation of their new father and leader. We are confident that His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, will provide the exemplary leadership that Ibadan is known for. We pray the Almighty God grants him good health, wisdom, and long life on the throne.”
But his message did not end there. He went further, reminding Nigerians of the strength that lies in their shared traditions:
“The Sultan praised the ascension of Oba Ladoja as “a well-deserved elevation following his long years of service and dedication to the Ibadan traditional system,” and expressed confidence that the new Olubadan’s wealth of experience and wisdom would guide his people “towards greater progress and harmony.”
And then came the call — a call for unity that went beyond the walls of any single palace:
“Traditional institutions remain the custodians of culture and stabilising forces in our socio-political landscape. There must be continued synergy among royal fathers to promote national cohesion and support government efforts in addressing contemporary challenges.”
From Sokoto to Ibadan, the words carried more than congratulations. They were a bridge across Nigeria’s diversity, a handshake between North and South, Islam and Yoruba tradition, one throne and another.
In the eyes of many who gathered to witness the coronation, it was clear: Olubadan’s reign had begun not only with drums and rituals, but with the blessing of another great monarch who saw in him a partner for peace and nationhood.