The Sun Awards 2025: Celebrating Olubadan Ladoja's Timeless Contributions
By Tunji Oladejo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, received a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award at The Sun Awards 2025, on Saturday, 31 January, 2026, proof of his unshakeable commitment to traditional leadership, governance, and national development. This prestigious recognition celebrates his decades of exemplary leadership, service to humanity and contributions to peace, culture and development in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.
Olubadan Ladoja's journey to the throne is a tribute to perseverance and dedication. From his days as a successful businessman, a politician and Governor of Oyo State to his elevation through the Ibadanland chieftaincy ladder, he has consistently demonstrated leadership par excellence.
As the 44th Olubadan, Olubadan Ladoja has brought wisdom and selfless service to the throne, and as the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas, his commitment to the stability of the esteemed Council and general well-being of residents of Oyo State has earned him widespread respect. The award is a recognition of his enduring legacy and impact on Nigerian society.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the founder of The Sun and former Governor of Abia State, presented Olubadan Ladoja with this prestigious award. Olubadan Ladoja, who shone brightly at the remarkable event, was accompanied by his wives and dignitaries, including the three serving Senators from Oyo State: Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) and Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central). Former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, also graced the momentous ceremony in honour of Olubadan Ladoja. It was truly a day for the celebration of Olubadan Ladoja's timeless contributions to national development.
The Progressive Forum, Ibadan, (TPFI) commends Olubadan Ladoja's humility, wisdom and selfless service, which have made him an
icon of hope for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria. We celebrate his achievements and recognise his contributions to Nigeria's development, reinforcing the vital role of traditional institutions in Nigeria's development.
TPFI joins the good and progressive people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, in congratulating Olubadan Ladoja on this well-deserved honour, a timeless honour for a timeless monarch, and looks forward to his continued service to humanity.
Kabiyesi o!
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, writes from the University of Ibadan and is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (T(TPFI), via oladejo65@gmail.com.
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