In a moment that has stirred powerful reactions across Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape, a viral image shows former President Olusegun Obasanjo prostrating before Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the newly confirmed Olubadan-elect of Ibadanland. The striking posture—a full traditional Yoruba greeting—has been widely interpreted as a symbolic act of humility, reconciliation, and a nod to royal authority.
This gesture is especially significant given the tense political history between the two figures. Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was impeached in 2006 during Obasanjo’s presidency in what many observers saw as a politically motivated move. Ladoja’s resistance to external political pressure during his time as governor reportedly strained his relationship with the then-president. Though Ladoja was later reinstated by the courts, the event remains a major chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
Fast-forward to 2025, Ladoja has ascended to the revered Olubadan stool—a position steeped in cultural and historical authority. The sight of Obasanjo prostrating before him sends a powerful message: one of tradition superseding politics, and of respect for the enduring power of Yoruba royalty.
The act also calls to mind Obasanjo’s controversial public chastisement of traditional rulers in Oke Ogun in 2023, when he ordered them to stand up at a state function, accusing them of disrespecting Governor Seyi Makinde. That incident drew heavy criticism, particularly from cultural custodians and Yoruba groups.
Now, this apparent gesture before the Olubadan-elect suggests a turn in narrative, where even the most powerful political figures acknowledge the weight of traditional authority—voluntarily or by cultural obligation.
However, as this image continues to make rounds on social media, it's important to note that we *cannot independently confirm* whether the photo was genuinely taken during a recent meeting or if it may have been *digitally manipulated or AI-generated*. Verification is ongoing.
#Obasanjo #Olubadan #ObaLadoja #YorubaPolitics #NigerianTradition #OyoState #TraditionalLeadership #YorubaCulture #NigerianNews #RoyaltyAndPolitics
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