The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has marked his first coronation anniversary in the Holy Land, where he was sighted performing Umrah and offering prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Oba Ladoja, who clocked 82 years on Friday, September 25, 2026, chose to journey to Saudi Arabia, for a special worship and spiritual reflection, instead of elaborate celebrations that often accompany such milestone achievements.
The monarch’s presence around the Kaaba over the weekend, coincided with the first anniversary of his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, giving the historic occasion a unique spiritual submission.
Oba Ladoja used the period to offer prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, seeking divine guidance and blessings for indigenes and residents of the ancient city.
The development according to reports further highlighted the unusual manner in which the traditional ruler, who is also the Chairman, Oyo state Council of Obas and Chiefs, has chosen to mark both milestones, with thanksgiving, prayers, and worship to his creator in the holy land of Makkah and Medina.
Recall that Oba Ladoja had earlier appealed to his subjects, friends and well-wishers to avoid extravagant celebrations in his honour, urging them to direct their goodwill towards prayers and support for people in need.
In Olubadan’s entourage to the holy land was the Mogaji of Adanla Family and Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, Engr. Abduljelil Karheem Adanla, Mogaji Muktar Gbadeyanka of Adeyipo compound and Prince Shola Ladoja.
While the ancient city observes its monarch’s first year on the throne, Oba Ladoja is thousands of kilometres away, standing in one of Islam’s holiest places for an intensely personal act of worship,
praying for the wellbeing of the people of Ibadanland.
This latest Umrah has consequently given the anniversary an uncommon dimension, with the Olubadan choosing the sacred land of Makkah as the setting for prayers at such a defining moment in his reign.
As the monarch continues his spiritual journey, his prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria have become a central part of the commemoration, linking his personal milestones with hopes for peace, stability and prosperity across the communities he holds dear.
