Fresh from his pilgrimage, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, PhD, joined dignitaries, traditional leaders, political associates and well-wishers at the celebration of the 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The celebration provided an opportunity to honour the revered monarch and reflect on his first year on the throne of his forefathers. Oba Rashidi Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at the historic Mapo Hall on September 26, 2025, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Since his ascension, Oba Ladoja has continued to attract attention for his emphasis on the preservation of Ibadan’s traditional heritage alongside issues concerning security, economic development, investment and community advancement.
During his first year on the throne, the monarch has supported initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots security, including the Ibadan Community Guards initiative, while the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee has also promoted conversations around economic revitalisation and investment opportunities in Ibadanland.
Against this significant traditional and cultural backdrop, Senator Alli participated in the palace celebration, joining other guests to honour the monarch and celebrate his milestone.
After the palace ceremony, Senator Alli, alongside Hon. Engr. Aderemi Oseni, received thousands of members of the Blacksmith, Welder, Iron-Bender and Metal Technician Association, Oyo State Chapter.
The gathering provided another platform for interaction with members of an important segment of the state’s informal and technical workforce. The association members expressed their support for the APC candidates and their commitment to the political movement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development also underscored the growing importance of grassroots engagement in Oyo State politics, particularly among artisans, technicians, entrepreneurs and other self-employed professionals whose contributions remain central to the state’s economic activity.
For Senator Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, the engagement further provided an opportunity to connect with residents and stakeholders outside formal political structures. His participation in the Olubadan’s celebration also placed the political engagement within the wider cultural and traditional life of Ibadanland.
The meeting with the artisans and technical professionals also reflects the broader importance of recognising the contribution of skilled workers to economic development. Blacksmiths, welders, metal fabricators, iron-benders and technicians provide services across construction, manufacturing, automobile repairs, infrastructure and several other sectors.
Their involvement in civic and political discussions therefore represents an important dimension of grassroots mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, engagements such as these are expected to remain significant platforms for candidates and political organisations to interact directly with different professional and community groups across Oyo State.
The message emerging from the gathering was one of collective political alignment and a shared aspiration for the future of the state.
With traditional institutions, artisans, community stakeholders and political actors increasingly participating in conversations about Oyo’s future, the political landscape continues to witness greater grassroots engagement.
Everyone is aligning to move Oyo Ahead!
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