The coronation rites of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja has begun with interdenominational prayers at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo.
The interfaith prayers were held on Monday.
Oba Ladoja will receive the staff and instruments of office on Friday, September 26, at an elaborate ceremony scheduled for Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries from across the country, led by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the interdenominational prayers for the coronation on Monday, the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole, posited that the reign of Oba Ladoja would bring peace and development to the ancient city.
“It has never happened in the history of Ibadanland for a former senator and governor to become the Olubadan.”
In his sermon, a former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Sunday Makinde, admonished Oba Ladoja to allow peaceful co-existence among the three religions in Ibadanland.
He also urged the Olubadan-In-Council, monarchs, Baales, and Mogajis in Ibadanland to join hands with him towards the progress and development of the ancient city.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, prayed for Ibadan to witness unprecedented peace and development during Ladoja’s reign.
Highlights of the event include rendition of Iyere Ifa by the traditionalists, reading of Psalms by the Christians and reading of the Quran by the Muslim faithful.
Other dignitaries at the event were the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Joshua Akinyemiju; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Daud Makanjuola; the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Taliat Ayilara; representatives of other religious bodies, among others.
