Oyo gears up for historic coronation of 44th Olubadan
Ibadan, Oyo – The ancient city of Ibadan is poised for a momentous occasion as former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja prepares to be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland tomorrow, Friday, September 26, 2025.
The Oyo State Government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event with unparalleled pomp, deploying over 2,000 security personnel and unveiling a weeklong program blending tradition, culture, and modernity.
The coronation, set at the iconic Mapo Hall, marks a significant chapter in Ibadan's storied chieftaincy system, which follows a unique linear succession.
Ladoja, 81, emerges as the new monarch following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.
Governor Makinde approved Ladoja's nomination during a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence on August 20, 2025, describing the ascension as "a journey guided by the wisdom of our ancestors."
Makinde highlighted Ladoja's diverse background—as a senator, engineer, businessman, and administrator—as ideal for ushering Ibadanland into an era of progress and peace.
The coronation committee, chaired by Bayo Oyero, former Chairman of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has orchestrated an eight-day extravaganza from September 22 to October 4, 2025.
Key highlights include:
September 22 – Interdenominational Service, at Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Organized by CCII, uniting faiths in prayer.
September 23 – Cultural Fiesta, at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, showcasing Ibadan traditions, masquerades, and performances by groups like the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords (Jagun Jagun).
September 24 – Coronation Lecture: "Ibadan History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity", at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, delivered by renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola, who praised Ladoja's reign as a catalyst for Ibadan's modernization.
September 25 – Mega Praise and Worship Concert (Ladoja's 81st Birthday), at Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, A star-studded event coinciding with the Olubadan-designate's birthday.
September 26 – Grand Coronation Ceremony, at Mapo Hall. The main event, with beaded crown presentation.
September 27 – Special Jumat Service, at Central Mosque, Oja’ba. Muslim thanksgiving prayers at 12:00 noon.
October 4 – Traditional Thanksgiving (Isese Ceremony) Osemeji, Oja’ba. Honoring ancestral heritage at 11:00 a.m.
The program reflects Ibadan's rich Yoruba heritage while addressing contemporary challenges, as emphasized by Falola in his lecture.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to grace the occasion, with an advance presidential team arriving at the newly upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport on Wednesday—the facility's inaugural flight post-upgrade.
Prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, and captains of industry are also anticipated, drawing thousands of Ibadan indigenes from across the diaspora.
To ensure seamless proceedings, the Oyo State Government has issued a traffic advisory: Roads including Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall will close from 7:00 a.m. on Friday.
Designated parking at Ibadan North LG Car Park (Agodi), Yemetu Police Station football field, and Liberty Stadium will feature shuttle services for invitees.
Only convoys of President Tinubu and Governor Makinde will access restricted routes directly.
Markets across Ibadan will shut down on coronation day as traders pay homage to the new Olubadan.
Born in 1944—the same year marking his position as the 44th Olubadan—Rashidi Ladoja's path to the throne is steeped in public service. Elected Oyo Governor in 2003 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, he navigated turbulent politics, including a fallout with power broker Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.
A one-time senator and banking director, Ladoja received a ceremonial beaded crown as an Oba in August 2024, paving the way for his full enthronement.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, felicitated Ladoja, calling his elevation a "momentous blend of royalty, experience, and statesmanship" that promises peace and progress.
As the sun rises on September 26, Ibadan—and indeed the nation—turns its gaze to Mapo Hall, where history will be etched anew.
The Oyo State Government's meticulous preparations underscore a shared resolve to celebrate this milestone with dignity, ensuring Oba Ladoja's reign begins on a note of unity and splendor.
The Oyo State Government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event with unparalleled pomp, deploying over 2,000 security personnel and unveiling a weeklong program blending tradition, culture, and modernity.
The coronation, set at the iconic Mapo Hall, marks a significant chapter in Ibadan's storied chieftaincy system, which follows a unique linear succession.
Ladoja, 81, emerges as the new monarch following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.
Governor Makinde approved Ladoja's nomination during a courtesy visit to his Bodija residence on August 20, 2025, describing the ascension as "a journey guided by the wisdom of our ancestors."
Makinde highlighted Ladoja's diverse background—as a senator, engineer, businessman, and administrator—as ideal for ushering Ibadanland into an era of progress and peace.
The coronation committee, chaired by Bayo Oyero, former Chairman of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has orchestrated an eight-day extravaganza from September 22 to October 4, 2025.
Key highlights include:
September 22 – Interdenominational Service, at Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Organized by CCII, uniting faiths in prayer.
September 23 – Cultural Fiesta, at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, showcasing Ibadan traditions, masquerades, and performances by groups like the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords (Jagun Jagun).
September 24 – Coronation Lecture: "Ibadan History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity", at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, delivered by renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola, who praised Ladoja's reign as a catalyst for Ibadan's modernization.
September 25 – Mega Praise and Worship Concert (Ladoja's 81st Birthday), at Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, A star-studded event coinciding with the Olubadan-designate's birthday.
September 26 – Grand Coronation Ceremony, at Mapo Hall. The main event, with beaded crown presentation.
September 27 – Special Jumat Service, at Central Mosque, Oja’ba. Muslim thanksgiving prayers at 12:00 noon.
October 4 – Traditional Thanksgiving (Isese Ceremony) Osemeji, Oja’ba. Honoring ancestral heritage at 11:00 a.m.
The program reflects Ibadan's rich Yoruba heritage while addressing contemporary challenges, as emphasized by Falola in his lecture.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to grace the occasion, with an advance presidential team arriving at the newly upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport on Wednesday—the facility's inaugural flight post-upgrade.
Prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, and captains of industry are also anticipated, drawing thousands of Ibadan indigenes from across the diaspora.
To ensure seamless proceedings, the Oyo State Government has issued a traffic advisory: Roads including Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall will close from 7:00 a.m. on Friday.
Designated parking at Ibadan North LG Car Park (Agodi), Yemetu Police Station football field, and Liberty Stadium will feature shuttle services for invitees.
Only convoys of President Tinubu and Governor Makinde will access restricted routes directly.
Markets across Ibadan will shut down on coronation day as traders pay homage to the new Olubadan.
Born in 1944—the same year marking his position as the 44th Olubadan—Rashidi Ladoja's path to the throne is steeped in public service. Elected Oyo Governor in 2003 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, he navigated turbulent politics, including a fallout with power broker Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.
A one-time senator and banking director, Ladoja received a ceremonial beaded crown as an Oba in August 2024, paving the way for his full enthronement.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, felicitated Ladoja, calling his elevation a "momentous blend of royalty, experience, and statesmanship" that promises peace and progress.
As the sun rises on September 26, Ibadan—and indeed the nation—turns its gaze to Mapo Hall, where history will be etched anew.
The Oyo State Government's meticulous preparations underscore a shared resolve to celebrate this milestone with dignity, ensuring Oba Ladoja's reign begins on a note of unity and splendor.
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