• The hidden story behind the luxurious gift
• The importance of Arusa 1 – The newly crowned Olubadan
By Adeola Badru
On the crisp morning of Friday, September 26, 2025, the historic city of Ibadan, celebrated for its vibrant Yoruba traditions and resilient spirit, quietly prepared to witness an event destined to resonate far beyond its borders.
Precisely at 7:00 a.m., a brand-new Rolls-Royce Phantom, a hallmark of British opulence valued near N600 million, was delivered to the private estate of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the freshly anointed Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This magnificent gift was not sourced from royal treasury or government allocations.
Rather, it was a heartfelt donation from one of Ibadan’s most illustrious sons: Kola Karim, a billionaire oil magnate, Chairman of Shoreline Energy International, and the honored Agba Oye of Ibadanland.
For a man whose influence spans financial capitals like Lagos, London, and Geneva, this was far beyond a ceremonial token. It was a profound declaration of loyalty, cultural pride, and respect.
Karim’s cousin, Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, Mogaji of the Adanla family and Chairman of Afia Group, officially presented the vehicle on his behalf.
By mid-morning, whispers had grown into widespread conversations, stirring intrigue about the timing and deeper meaning behind such an extravagant offering.
The answer lies within the rich tapestry of Ibadan’s history, the symbolic weight of its monarchy, the key figures involved, and the resurgence of Arusa Compound-a place now firmly etched into Yoruba heritage.
Kola Karim: A Business Giant Rooted in Ibadan
Though globally recognized as a visionary entrepreneur with ventures spanning energy, finance, and industry, Kola Karim’s identity remains deeply intertwined with Ibadan.
Raised in a family that balanced tradition with modern ambition, Karim’s heritage-especially through the Mogaji Adanla title-cemented his connection to Ibadan’s chieftaincy lineage.
His professional journey, however, propelled him far beyond the city’s confines.
Today, under his leadership, Shoreline Energy International is a continental powerhouse engaged in oil exploration, power infrastructure, and maritime logistics.
Yet, Karim’s legacy is not solely defined by business success but by his steadfast dedication to his community.
Long before the Phantom made headlines, he was known for quiet philanthropy-founding schools, sponsoring scholarships, and supporting religious institutions.
Years ago, he surprised many by gifting a luxury car to Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of Kano, setting a precedent that foreshadowed this grand gesture.
To many, Karim’s lavish present to Oba Ladoja was anticipated; what made it unforgettable was its timing and symbolic depth.
Beyond Transportation: A Regal Emblem
The Rolls-Royce Phantom, with its iconic grille and whisper-quiet engine, has long been the preferred vehicle of royalty, dignitaries, and industry leaders.
In Ibadan-a city proud of its warrior heritage and cultural identity-the arrival of such a car at the Olubadan’s residence was a poetic affirmation.
This was not just a means of travel; it was a moving symbol of authority, legacy, and honor. Delivered mere hours before the official coronation, it added a modern grandeur befitting a leader whose life bridges politics, commerce, and traditional rulership.
As a palace insider noted, “The Phantom is not about ostentation. It represents what the Olubadan embodies. When he rides it, Ibadan rides with him.”
Arusa Compound: From Obscurity to Royal Prominence
Equally noteworthy is the origin of the new Olubadan-Arusa Compound. For many years, Arusa, located in Isale-Osi within Ibadan South-West Local Government, was a quiet neighborhood overshadowed by more established royal quarters.
Unlike compounds with long histories of producing rulers, Arusa’s story was mostly confined to family anecdotes and local memory.
That narrative shifted dramatically with Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s ascension as the 44th Olubadan and his adoption of the title Arusa 1, instantly elevating the compound’s prestige.
Once overlooked, Arusa now stands as a testament to Ibadan’s meritocratic chieftaincy system, where perseverance and tradition can elevate even the humblest origins to the highest throne.
The Phantom’s presentation to Ladoja subtly underscored this transformation.
By honoring a monarch from Arusa, Kola Karim also paid homage to Ibadan’s traditional order-one that prizes steady advancement over wealth or popularity.
Residents of Arusa now express a renewed pride in their community’s rise.
“For years, we were seldom mentioned in royal affairs. Now, our name echoes throughout Yorubaland. Visitors come to Arusa,” shared a local elder.
Thus, the gift was not just for a king; it celebrated a lineage, a community, and the hopes of countless Ibadan families awaiting their moment in history.
A Personal Homage from a Devoted Son
Those close to Karim stress that this gift was deeply personal. His relationship with Oba Ladoja transcends formalities, resembling that of a devoted son honoring a respected father figure.
Privately, Karim has lauded the Olubadan as a man of integrity, a leader who endured political storms without compromising his principles.
This respect was forged during Ladoja’s turbulent political career, marked by resistance to godfatherism and unwavering defense of democracy, often at great personal sacrifice.
By bestowing such a magnificent honor now, Karim signals a generational shift of loyalty-from global boardrooms to the heart of Ibadan’s traditions-reminding all that no matter how far Ibadan’s sons travel, their roots remain firmly grounded.
Ladoja: From Public Service to Traditional Leadership
For Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Phantom symbolizes another milestone in a life filled with historic achievements.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, aptly remarked: “He is the first in modern Nigerian history to serve as senator, governor, and now monarch. This is history in the making.”
From modest beginnings in Gambari village to studies at the University of Liège in Belgium, and from ventures in the textile industry to the challenging governorship of Oyo State, Ladoja’s journey has been defined by resilience.
His tenure as governor, despite impeachment battles, is remembered for people-focused initiatives: prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and ambitious infrastructure projects like the Circular Road.
His opposition to indiscriminate chieftaincy appointments under Governor Ajimobi highlighted his commitment to preserving tradition.
By protecting the unique authority of the Olubadan, Ladoja positioned himself as a custodian of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
Now, as the 44th Olubadan, his reign begins under the symbolic shadow of this extraordinary Rolls-Royce gift-a mark of esteem from one of Ibadan’s wealthiest sons.
Ibadan’s Response: Pride, Reflection, and Cultural Renaissance
Across Ibadan, reactions to the gift ranged from admiration to thoughtful debate. For many, the Phantom was a source of communal pride-proof that Ibadan’s sons not only succeed abroad but also honor their homeland.
Chief Murtala Adesina, a palace chief, remarked, “This is how tradition thrives. When our sons honor the throne, they strengthen it for generations to come.”
Conversely, some questioned the appropriateness of such luxury amid economic hardships. Could the funds not have been directed toward schools, roads, or healthcare?
Supporters argued that in Yoruba culture, venerating the king is tantamount to honoring the entire community. A dignified monarch serves as a beacon for his people.
As an elder from Isale-Osi observed, “When the Olubadan rides with dignity, Ibadan rides with him.”
Kola Karim’s Vision of Philanthropy
To understand why Karim would invest $600,000 in a single gift, one must appreciate his broader philanthropic philosophy.
Unlike charity focused solely on immediate aid, Karim’s generosity is symbolic, strategic, and deeply connected to identity.
By supporting institutions-be they royal palaces, religious centers, or educational establishments-he invests in lasting symbols rather than fleeting handouts.
The Phantom was not an indulgence for an already enthroned monarch; it was an investment in the dignity and image of Ibadan’s monarchy, an institution commanding loyalty across social, religious, and political divides.
In a society where wealth is often flaunted through private jets or lavish parties abroad, Karim’s gesture stood out for its cultural rootedness-wealth serving tradition, not the other way around.
The Rise of a Modern-Day Patron
Karim’s act places him within a distinguished lineage of Yoruba patrons who have historically supported kings and cultural institutions.
In precolonial times, warrior chiefs contributed land, livestock, or manpower to strengthen the palace.
Today, in a globalized world where prestige is measured differently, the Rolls-Royce replaces horses and beads as a symbol of patronage.
This gesture redefines patronage for the 21st century.
By linking his international success with local tradition, Karim reminds the elite that true greatness is measured not by offshore wealth but by contributions to one’s roots.
The Coronation: A City United in Festivity
The coronation ceremony was electrified by the presence of the Phantom. From Bodija to Mapo Hall, conversations buzzed about the car. Journalists captured countless images, while children eagerly sought a glimpse.
When Oba Ladoja finally emerged, stepping into the Phantom for his procession to the coronation venue, a wave of cheers swept through the crowd.
The vehicle became an extension of the monarch himself, gliding through Ibadan’s streets not as a foreign luxury but as a cultural emblem woven into the city’s story.
More Than Luxury: A Throne Reinforced with Hope
While the Phantom dazzles as a symbol, the deeper story is one of renewal. Oba Ladoja ascends not just as a traditional ruler but as a figure whose life embodies governance, activism, and perseverance.
For Ibadan, his reign signals a fusion of modern experience guiding ancient institutions.
For Karim and others like him, it represents an opportunity to align wealth with heritage, proving that the diaspora’s connection to Ibadan’s heart never truly fades.
When Wealth Honors Legacy
Ultimately, Kola Karim’s gift to the Olubadan transcends monetary worth or media spectacle.
It narrates the story of a global businessman reaffirming his local identity.
It reflects how Ibadan-a city that has produced warriors and statesmen-continues to inspire loyalty that defies distance.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom may one day become a relic of palace history, but the gesture-timed with precision, rich in symbolism, and delivered with humility-will remain etched in Ibadan’s collective memory.
For the 44th Olubadan, it was a powerful affirmation that his struggles and triumphs are recognized and celebrated by his people.
For Kola Karim, it was proof that true wealth lies not only in accumulation but in honoring tradition, culture, and the father figures who embody them.
And for Arusa Compound, once a quiet corner in Isale-Osi, it marked the crowning of destiny-from obscurity to prominence, from whispered existence to royal significance. The Phantom’s gleaming presence carried not just a king but an entire lineage elevated into eternal history.
As Ibadan embarks on this new royal chapter, one truth stands clear: the bond between its throne and its sons is stronger than ever, now literally rolling forward on the wheels of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.