Ibadan, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu shared the spotlight with several prominent political figures, including a key rival from the 2023 general election, during the coronation of Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadan on Friday, September 26.
The historic event, held at the majestic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State, was a gathering of Nigeria’s political elite and traditional leaders. Among the notable figures who exchanged pleasantries with the President were former Kano Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
A Warm Handshake Across the Political Divide
The highly symbolic moment was captured in a short video shared on social media, showing President Tinubu in a notably warm handshake with Kwankwaso. The interaction was significant, given that Kwankwaso was a direct competitor against Tinubu in the 2023 presidential race, where he finished fourth with 6.23 percent of the total vote.
Other dignitaries who exchanged greetings with the President included former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Ogun Governor Ibikunle Amosun. The gathering highlighted a temporary setting aside of political rivalries for a moment of unity and tradition, underscoring the unifying role of cultural institutions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
