By Asudemade Perspective

The Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, has felicitated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on the occasion of his 82nd birthday anniversary.

A video tribute made available to The Asudemade Perspective showed a series of photographs celebrating Oba Ladoja, popularly known by his traditional appellation, Arusa I, with messages wishing the monarch a happy 82nd birthday.

The tribute, which described Oloye Abiola Iyiola as the Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan of Ibadanland, featured photographs of Oba Ladoja in his royal regalia and at various traditional engagements, including moments at the Olubadan Palace.

Oba Ladoja, born on September 25, 1944, in Ibadan, will clock 82 on Friday, September 25, 2026. He will also mark the first anniversary of his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Saturday, September 26. The twin anniversaries come barely a year after Oba Ladoja ascended the ancient throne following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. His coronation was held at the historic Mapo Hall on September 26, 2025. The birthday tribute by Oloye Iyiola comes against the backdrop of the monarch’s own appeal that the occasions should be observed with thanksgiving and prayers rather than elaborate celebrations.

In a statement through his media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja urged his subjects, friends and well-wishers to use the occasions to pray for himself, the Ibadan Traditional Institution, Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.

The monarch also appealed to his well-wishers to extend acts of generosity to people facing difficult circumstances, particularly children in motherless babies’ homes, as part of the commemoration. The video tribute by the Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan thus adds a personal and traditional dimension to the growing expressions of goodwill towards the monarch as he approaches the significant milestone of 82 years and completes his first year on the Olubadan throne.

For Ibadan, the twin occasion represents not only a celebration of the longevity of one of its prominent sons and traditional rulers, but also a moment to reflect on the responsibilities attached to the ancient institution and its continuing place in the cultural life of the city.

The Asudemade Perspective wishes His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, a happy 82nd birthday and a peaceful first anniversary on the throne.