Obasanjo warns Ladoja to separate politics from tradition as he prepares to ascend the Olubadan throne, urging wisdom, humility, and restraint

As Abdul-Rasheed Ladoja prepares to ascend the revered Olubadan throne this Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned him to draw a clear line between politics and traditional leadership.

Also read: Ooni of Ife visits Olubadan designate Rashidi Ladoja in Ibadan

In a message laden with both admiration and caution, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated Abdul-Rasheed Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan-designate, while urging him to embrace humility, divine wisdom, and the non-partisan values befitting his new role.

“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people,” Obasanjo said in a statement released by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Wednesday.

“It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed.”

The former president did not shy away from offering firm guidance, particularly stressing that traditional rulership should not become entangled with political power.

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

Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, was unanimously endorsed by the Olubadan-in-Council in August following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on 7 July 2025.

As Otun Olubadan, Ladoja was next in line under Ibadan’s time-honoured rotational succession system.

His coronation will make him the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The official ceremony, set for Friday in Ibadan, is expected to be a grand cultural affair.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is among the dignitaries confirmed to attend, along with prominent Yoruba monarchs, politicians, business leaders, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes.

While the city prepares to celebrate, Obasanjo’s pointed advice underscores the weight of responsibility awaiting Ladoja—especially given his past in partisan politics.

Also read: Ladoja accepts beaded crown, says I will become Olubadan

His message serves not just as a congratulatory note but as a public reminder: to rule effectively in the traditional space, the crown must rise above politics.