Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is set to witness a historic celebration on Friday as political leaders, traditional rulers, business moguls, and dignitaries from across Nigeria converge for the coronation of former governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead a high-powered delegation to the city, underscoring the national significance of the event. Sources at the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu, who shares a long-standing political relationship with Ladoja, regards the occasion as not only a cultural milestone but also a moment of unity for the Yoruba nation.
The coronation ceremony, billed to take place at the historic Mapo Hall, has already transformed the city into a hub of festivity. Major roads are being decorated with banners and traditional insignias, while hotels and event centres report full bookings as guests troop in ahead of Friday.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, will officially bestow the title on Ladoja, marking his elevation in the traditional hierarchy of the ancient city. The move is seen as a consolidation of Ibadan’s cherished rotational succession system, which often blends politics and tradition.
Prominent governors from the South-West, members of the National Assembly, captains of industry, and cultural groups are also expected to grace the ceremony.
Residents of Ibadan have expressed excitement, with traders, artisans, and cultural troupes preparing to showcase the city’s rich heritage. Local markets are experiencing brisk sales of aso-ebi fabrics, beads, and souvenirs tied to the coronation.
A cultural historian at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Akinwale Fajobi, described the event as “a reminder that Ibadan’s traditional institution remains central to Yoruba identity and politics.”
Security agencies have assured that adequate arrangements are in place to ensure safety, with major routes around Mapo Hall slated for partial closure to manage the expected influx of dignitaries and visitors.
The coronation is expected to strengthen Ladoja’s standing as both a political figure and a custodian of Ibadan’s cultural legacy.
