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In a significant cultural transition, a revered ensemble of traditional drummers, vocalists, and praise performers has officially shifted its base to the homes of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the incoming monarch of Ibadan, Nigeria. The relocation of the Gbobaniyi Olubadan—a troupe central to the city’s royal traditions—marks a pivotal moment following the passing of the former Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7.

The group, tasked with daily performances for the Olubadan and palace visitors, concluded its duties at the late monarch’s residence earlier this week. It now occupies two key locations tied to Ladoja: his ancestral family compound in Isale Osi, within Ibadan South West Local Government Area, and his private residence on Ondo Street in the upscale Bodija district. Witnesses reported vibrant scenes on Tuesday as the performers welcomed well-wishers with drumbeats, chants, and tributes, underscoring the celebratory mood surrounding the succession.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is poised to assume the role of Olubadan—a highly respected position within Ibadan’s centuries-old chieftaincy system. The Gbobaniyi’s relocation aligns with customs dictating their permanent attachment to the reigning monarch, reflecting continuity in a tradition that blends art, history, and governance. Their presence at both the family estate and personal home of the designate hints at the dual emphasis on ancestral roots and contemporary ceremonial spaces in Ibadan’s royal protocols.

The transition highlights the enduring role of cultural heritage in Nigeria’s urban centers. Ibadan, one of West Africa’s largest cities, maintains a unique dual governance structure, where traditional institutions operate alongside modern administrative systems. The Gbobaniyi, by entertaining dignitaries and locals alike, serve as custodians of Yoruba oral history and communal identity.

With Ladoja’s reign set to begin, the group’s ongoing presence will symbolize not only the monarch’s authority but also the resilience of practices that have defined Ibadan’s sociopolitical landscape for generations. Observers note that such rituals, while localized in origin, offer a window into the intricate interplay of tradition and modernity in contemporary Africa.