The Oyo State Government has announced major traffic restrictions in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, scheduled for Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall.
According to the government’s organising committee, routes leading to Mapo Hall will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to ensure security and smooth traffic management during the ceremony.
Affected roads include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall.
Only the convoys of President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to attend, and Governor Seyi Makinde will be allowed access. Three designated car parks have been provided at the Ibadan North Local Government Area car park, the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, and Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado. Shuttle buses will ferry guests to the venue.
Vendors supplying food and drinks have been advised to arrive between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m.
Cultural Week in Full Swing
The road closures mark a major milestone in an elaborate eight-day programme celebrating Ladoja’s coronation, which coincides with his 81st birthday.
On Monday, interdenominational prayers were held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo. On Tuesday, cultural festivities took centre stage as masqueraders from across Yoruba-speaking states converged on Ibadan to honour the Olubadan-designate.
A highlight of the celebrations was Arusa, a stage play chronicling Ibadan’s royal heritage and Ladoja’s personal journey. Written by Gbemi Faleti and directed by veteran Yomi Duro-Ladipo, the production featured a star-studded cast including Dele Odule, Taiwo Ibikunle, and Toyin Adegbola.
Producer Biodun Latinwo Eleni revealed that the play was originally conceived for Ladoja’s 80th birthday but was reimagined to honour his coronation. “Arusa is more than a play,” Faleti said. “It is a cultural statement, a story of resilience, leadership, and destiny across generations.”
‘A New Dawn for Ibadan’
Speaking at the cultural display, President-General of the CCII, Ajeniyi Ajewole, described Ladoja’s ascension as a turning point for Ibadan.
“Olubadan is not only a custodian of culture but a statesman of national importance. His dream is to make Ibadan a city of excellence comparable to global capitals. We believe his reign will open a new dawn for our people,” Ajewole said.
Coronation committee chairman Bayo Oyero added that the week-long celebration was designed to showcase Ibadan’s resilience and identity. “Today is cultural, tomorrow is intellectual, and by Friday, we crown our king,” he said, urging indigenes to witness history.
Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor, succeeds Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7.
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