The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has shared in the joy of Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as he celebrates his 82nd birthday and first anniversary on the throne.
Oba Ladoja turned 82 on September 25, 2026, while he marked his first year as Olubadan on September 26.
In a congratulatory message dated Tuesday, September 29, and signed on behalf of his media team by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the Sultan commended the monarch for dedicating the milestones to the worship of Allah through the performance of Umrah.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar said the Olubadan’s life journey—from business to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, governorship of Oyo State and, ultimately, the traditional throne of Ibadan—reflected a remarkable record of service and achievement.
He also praised Oba Ladoja for recognising Allah as the Creator and ultimate source of his accomplishments.
“We are happy and rejoice with His Imperial Majesty, my friend and a very good servant of Allah, who is today in a position of traditional authority serving his people as the Olubadan of Ibadan Land,” the Sultan said.
He described the decision to mark both the birthday and coronation anniversary with Umrah as a profound expression of gratitude to Allah.
“Knowing that Umrah is one of the best ways to celebrate a birthday and coronation anniversary at this time is a great success that Olubadan has achieved, and we identify with him,” he said.
The Sultan urged the Olubadan to use the spiritual journey to pray for peace in Nigeria, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections, as well as for Ibadan and Oyo State.
“We urge him to pray more for Nigeria’s peaceful elections come 2027, and to pray for Ibadan Land and Oyo State in particular,” he said.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar prayed that Allah would accept the Olubadan’s Umrah as an act of worship and grant him many more years in good health and continued service to humanity.
“May Allah accept his Umrah as an act of Ibadah. Ameen,” he prayed.
