Markets across Ibadan will be closed on Friday, September 26, 2025, as traders join residents to honour the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.
The directive was issued by the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekeen Abass, who described the closure as a mark of respect for the new monarch. He announced that all markets within the eleven local government areas of Ibadanland, covering the city centre and surrounding communities, would suspend trading activities for the day.
In a congratulatory message, Abass extended best wishes to Oba Ladoja on behalf of the market leaders council, zonal executives, and the trading community in Oyo State. He prayed for a peaceful and prosperous reign, urging traders to attend the coronation at Mapo Hall. The market leader also wished the monarch a happy 81st birthday in advance.
Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for the historic ceremony. The Coronation Organising Committee has announced major traffic diversions across Ibadan beginning from 7:00 a.m. on Friday due to the expected attendance of President Bola Tinubu.
The affected routes include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall; Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba; Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba; and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall. To ease movement, three official parking areas have been designated at the Ibadan North Local Government car park in front of the Immigration Office, Agodi; the football field beside Yemetu Police Station; and Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado. Shuttle buses will be provided to convey invited guests from the car parks to Mapo Hall.
The committee added that only the convoys of President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will be granted access to the restricted routes. Vendors and traders scheduled to operate at the venue have been instructed to arrive between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. before road closures commence.
The coronation is part of an elaborate week-long programme that has already featured cultural showcases and a heritage-themed play, Arusa, staged in honour of Oba Ladoja’s life and ancestry. Masqueraders from across Yoruba-speaking states also performed on Tuesday, drawing large crowds in celebration of Ibadan’s royal traditions.
The coronation lecture, to be delivered by historian Prof. Toyin Falola, is scheduled for Thursday, ahead of Friday’s installation ceremony at Mapo Hall.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, became Olubadan-designate following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025. His coronation coincides with his 81st birthday, marking a significant moment in the city’s history.
