Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Oyo State APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has felicitated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on the occasion of the monarch’s 82nd birthday.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election, joined other individuals and groups in celebrating Ladoja, who turns 82 on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The birthday comes a day before the Olubadan marks his first anniversary on the throne. Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on September 26, 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi.
Alli celebrates Ladoja’s life and service
In his birthday message, Alli extended his greetings and goodwill to the monarch, acknowledging his long involvement in public affairs and traditional leadership.
The congratulatory message comes at a significant point in Ladoja’s public life, with the former Oyo State governor now combining his experience in partisan politics and public administration with his responsibilities as the paramount traditional ruler of Ibadanland.
Ladoja has held several public positions during a career spanning decades. Before becoming Olubadan, he served as Oyo State governor and represented Oyo State in the Senate.
His transition from elected political office to the traditional institution has also placed him at the centre of discussions concerning the cultural, social and developmental interests of Ibadanland.
Ladoja turns 82
Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, in Ibadan, according to the biography published by the Olubadan Palace. He studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium before returning to Nigeria and becoming involved in business and public affairs.
His 82nd birthday is being observed alongside the first anniversary of his installation as Olubadan.
However, the monarch has asked residents, friends and well-wishers to avoid elaborate celebrations and instead use the occasion for prayers and thanksgiving.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Adeola Oloko, Ladoja urged those celebrating with him to pray for the future of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.
The monarch also encouraged well-wishers to extend acts of generosity to people facing difficult circumstances, including children in motherless babies’ homes.
A significant traditional milestone
Ladoja’s 82nd birthday comes as he approaches one year on the Olubadan throne.
His coronation on September 26, 2025, marked the culmination of a long progression through Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy. The Olubadan Palace identifies him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The first anniversary is therefore expected to be an important occasion for the traditional institution, although the monarch has indicated that he prefers a modest observance centred on prayers and thanksgiving.
Other traditional leaders and prominent Nigerians have also issued birthday messages to the monarch.
On Friday, the Onigbope of Igbope, Oba Moses Olawale Oyetola, congratulated Ladoja and described his 82nd birthday as a milestone reflecting his years of public service, leadership and contribution to society.
Alli and Ladoja share political and traditional history
Alli’s relationship with Ladoja predates the current 2027 political contest.
Both men have been involved in Oyo State public affairs for many years, with Ladoja having served as governor and Alli later becoming a prominent political figure representing Oyo South in the Senate.
Their connection also has a traditional dimension.
In September 2026, Ladoja elevated Alli from Ekarun Balogun to Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland. Alli announced the elevation in a statement and expressed appreciation to the monarch and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
The development came shortly before the monarch’s 82nd birthday and first anniversary on the throne.
Alli’s position in the 2027 Oyo election
Alli’s birthday message to Ladoja comes as the senator prepares for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
The APC formally unveiled Alli as its governorship candidate in July, alongside Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate. The party has subsequently continued its mobilisation and reconciliation activities ahead of the election.
The political context is relevant because Ladoja himself has a long history in Oyo State politics. His current role, however, is that of Olubadan and traditional ruler rather than an elected political office holder.
Alli’s congratulatory message should therefore be understood primarily as a birthday and goodwill message to a traditional ruler, unless the senator or his campaign separately attaches political meaning to it.
Ladoja calls for prayers rather than elaborate celebration
The Olubadan’s own position on the birthday has been clear.
In his message ahead of the occasion, he said the twin events of his birthday and coronation anniversary should be used for thanksgiving and prayers rather than elaborate festivities.
He thanked Ibadan residents and friends for their support during his first year on the throne and called for continued prayers for the traditional institution and the wider society.
The monarch also appealed to well-wishers to consider supporting people in difficult circumstances as part of the observance.
That approach has shaped the tone of the celebrations, with several messages focusing on Ladoja’s age, public service and traditional responsibilities rather than large-scale festivities.
Why the birthday matters in Ibadan
The Olubadan institution occupies an important place in the traditional and cultural life of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s largest urban centres.
Beyond ceremonial responsibilities, the traditional institution frequently serves as a point of engagement between communities, government officials, political leaders, businesses and other stakeholders.
Ladoja’s background in elected government and his current position as Olubadan give his public interventions particular visibility in Oyo State.
Since his installation, he has continued to participate in discussions concerning issues affecting Ibadanland, including security, infrastructure, development and the interests of the traditional institution.
Radio Nigeria reported that the monarch’s first year on the throne has included engagement on community security, economic revitalisation, youth development and relations with government.
What happens next
Ladoja will formally mark his first anniversary as Olubadan on Saturday, September 26, one day after his 82nd birthday.
The anniversary will provide an opportunity to reflect on his first year leading the traditional institution and on the responsibilities associated with the Olubadan stool.
For Alli, the birthday message comes as his political campaign prepares for the 2027 governorship election and as he continues public engagements across Oyo State.
The immediate occasion, however, remains Ladoja’s 82nd birthday and the recognition of his long public and traditional career.
As celebrations continue, the monarch’s call for prayers and acts of generosity is expected to remain central to the observance.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
sources
- Olubadan Palace
- Punch
- Channels Television
- Radio Nigeria Ibadan
- The Sun
- The Nation
