In what can best be described as a double celebration of grace, destiny and royalty, the ancient city of Ibadanland is aglow as His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Abdul-Rasheed Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, marks his 82nd birthday and his First Year Anniversary on the highly revered throne of Olubadan.
Yesterday, Friday, September 25, 2026, marked the 82nd birthday of the highly respected monarch, while today, Saturday, September 26, 2026, marks exactly one year since his historic coronation and ascension to the throne of his forefathers at the iconic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
Joining sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the uncommon monarch is a prominent Ibadan Chief and grassroots leader, Oloye Olalekan Aremu Gbenro, the Mogaji of Ile Oluwo Sakotun, Oke Aremo, Yemetu, Ibadan.
In a congratulatory message personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday, Oloye Gbenro described the double celebration as symbolic, historic and divinely ordained, noting that Oba Ladoja’s life remains a rare chronicle of resilience, service, and uncommon leadership.
According to Mogaji Gbenro, the journey of Oba Ladoja from Gambari village to becoming a chemical engineer trained at the University of Liège, Belgium, from a successful businessman with interests in shipping, oil and gas, banking and agriculture, to a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic in 1992, to an impactful Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, and now to the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, is a testament to a life preserved for royalty.
“Ours is a joyous double celebration. We celebrate not just a King, but an institution. Kabiyesi Oba Senator Ladoja is an uncommon Olubadan. His 32 years of steady progression on the Olubadan chieftaincy ladder, which began on October 1, 1993 when he was installed as Jagun Olubadan, has prepared him richly for this moment. Ibadan is blessed to have a monarch who is a perfect blend of modern exposure, political wisdom, business acumen and deep traditional knowledge,” Oloye Gbenro stated.
The Mogaji Ile Oluwo Sakotun noted that in just one year on the throne, Oba Ladoja, Arusa I, has brought uncommon dignity, peace, stability and renewed prestige to the Olubadan stool, further uniting the Olubadan-in-Council and strengthening the traditional institution as a vital partner in the development of Oyo State.
He described the monarch as a father to all, a bridge-builder, and a custodian of Ibadan’s rich culture, values, and Omoluabi ethos, whose reign has continued to foster unity among all sons and daughters of Ibadanland regardless of political or religious affiliation.
“On behalf of my family, the entire Ile Oluwo Sakotun family, Oke Aremo, Yemetun, Ibadan, I heartily felicitate our revered father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Abdul-Rasheed Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his 82nd birthday and first anniversary on the throne. May your reign be long, peaceful and more prosperous. May Almighty Allah continue to grant you sound health, wisdom and divine guidance as you lead Ibadanland to greater heights,” he added.
Oloye Gbenro prayed for continuous peace and unprecedented development in Ibadanland under the reign of Oba Ladoja.
