Today, 25th September 2026, I rise with immense joy, gratitude, and reverence to celebrate my Royal Father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Dr. Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, as he clocks a glorious 82 years.
Kabiyesi, in whom I am well pleased!
What greater honour can there be than to celebrate a father, a King, a custodian of our heritage, and a man whose presence has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless people?
Since Your Imperial Majesty ascended the ancient and revered throne of your forefathers, my heart has continued to overflow with joy. Watching you occupy that throne with dignity, wisdom, courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Ibadanland has been a source of immense pride to me.
Baba Ladoja, as you are fondly called, is not merely a King to those around him. You are a father to many, a mentor to several, a source of wisdom to generations, and a blessing to all whose paths have crossed yours.
Tomorrow, 26th September 2026, Your Imperial Majesty will also mark the first anniversary of your ascension to the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. What a remarkable journey it has been, and what a beautiful testimony to the enduring grace of Almighty God.
My prayer on this auspicious occasion is that the Almighty God will continue to preserve Your Imperial Majesty in excellent health, sound mind, uncommon strength, abundant wisdom, peace, joy, and high spirits. May He grant you many more glorious years upon the throne of your forefathers, so that you may continue to witness the growth, success, and fulfilment of those whom you have blessed with your fatherly love and guidance.
Kabiyesi, there is one prayer of yours that I carry particularly close to my heart: your prayer that I will go greater than my late father.
Somehow, that prayer appears to have taken on a life of its own in my destiny. I increasingly find myself thinking, acting, carrying responsibilities, and looking at life through the lenses of two extraordinary men—you, my Royal Father, and my late father.
Perhaps that is the beauty of a father’s prayer: it may be spoken in a moment, but its blessings can travel through generations.
May Almighty God grant me the grace to fulfil that prayer and, in doing so, honour both the legacy of my late father and the confidence Your Imperial Majesty has placed in me.
Today, I do not celebrate only an 82-year-old King. I celebrate a father. I celebrate a mentor. I celebrate a custodian of our heritage. I celebrate a man whose life, words, prayers, and example have touched mine in ways that words can hardly capture.
Happy 82nd Birthday, My Royal Father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja!
May your crown remain resplendent, your throne remain secure, your reign remain peaceful, and your name continue to be written in gold in the annals of Ibadanland.
K’ade pe lori, ki bata pe lese.
Kabiyesi, may your days upon the throne be long, glorious, peaceful, and fruitful.
Long may you reign, Kabiyesi!
Long may you live!
Long may your royal legacy endure!
Femi Aremo Balogun (FAB)
