Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the Olubadan-designate, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, ahead of his official coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland scheduled for Friday in Oyo State.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo extended royal salutations in Yoruba, praying “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese” (may your reign be long and peaceful). He noted that while the coronation ceremony is significant, the announcement of Ladoja’s ascension is already a reality.

Speaking from New York, where he is attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the former President advised the new monarch to embrace humility and tolerance in his new role, stressing the importance of separating politics from tradition.

> “It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed,” Obasanjo said.

“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guide, and direction of Almighty God.”

Preparations for the coronation have intensified, with the Oyo State Government confirming traffic diversions around major routes leading to Mapo Hall, the venue of the ceremony.

According to the organising committee, roads that will be closed from 7:00 a.m. on Friday include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall; Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba; Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba; and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall.

The security committee, chaired by former Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes President, Bayo Oyero, explained that the measures were necessary ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s planned attendance at the coronation.