In a moment blending spiritual fervor with royal grandeur, renowned gospel singer and Lady Evangelist Bola Are led a powerful prayer session at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Wielding a symbolic horn from Jerusalem, Are anointed the newly ascended monarch’s throne, invoking blessings for peace, prosperity, and divine protection over Ibadanland.
The electrifying scene unfolded during a mega praise and worship concert held in honor of Oba Ladoja’s historic enthronement on Friday at the iconic Mapo Hall. Videos of the 70-year-old Are, bedecked in flowing white robes, administering anointing oil with the ancient horn have since gone viral, amassing millions of views on social media. “This horn, blown like the one that felled the walls of Jericho, carries the power of breakthrough,” one attendee shared on X, capturing the crowd’s rapturous response as Are’s voice soared in Yoruba hymns, showering prayers on Ladoja, his family, and the entire Yoruba nation.
Bola Are, a trailblazing figure in Nigerian gospel music and former President of the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria, brought her decades of ministry to the forefront. Born in 1954 in Ekiti State, the evangelist—whose hits like “Power in the Praise” have inspired generations—founded the Bola Are Gospel Foundation in 1995 to uplift the less privileged. Her performance wasn’t just musical; it was a prophetic declaration, aligning the coronation’s joyous chaos with heavenly endorsement. “Mama Are’s prayers are the seal on this throne,” tweeted a fan, echoing sentiments from dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who all lauded the seamless transition.
Oba Ladoja’s ascent at 81 caps a 32-year odyssey through Ibadan’s unique rotational chieftaincy system, from Mogaji of his family compound in the 1980s to Jagun Olubadan in 1993, and finally Otun Olubadan before his coronation. The former Oyo governor and senator weathered political storms, including a defiant stand against 2018 reforms that sought to beaded-crown high chiefs, earning him prayers from his predecessor, the late Oba Adetunji. “This is destiny fulfilled,” Governor Makinde proclaimed while presenting the Staff of Office, a sentiment amplified by Are’s invocation for Ladoja’s reign to usher in “lasting peace and prosperity.”
Social media erupted with praise, though not without the usual Nigerian wit: “If it were a Celestial prophet, Twitter would call it ritual by now,” one user joked, highlighting the interfaith harmony at play. Fuji maestro Saheed Osupa even composed a coronation anthem, adding to the cultural tapestry.
As Ibadan buzzes with post-coronation festivities, Are’s blessing stands as a beacon of unity in a city rich with warrior history. With the new Olubadan’s palace at Oke Aremo gleaming as a modern marvel, eyes turn to how this spiritual infusion might shape his legacy.