Tinubu To Attend Ladoja’s Coronation As 44th Olubadan

The ancient city of Ibadan is preparing for a once-in-a-generation spectacle as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, ascends the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The grand coronation, set for Friday, September 26, 2025, at the historic Mapo Hall grounds, will draw Nigeria’s political class, cultural icons, monarchs, captains of industry, and Ibadan sons and daughters from across the globe.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead the dignitaries, joining other Yoruba royal fathers, state governors, members of the diplomatic corps, and eminent Nigerians in witnessing what has been described as a “momentous cultural and traditional milestone” for Ibadanland and the Yoruba race.

At a press conference held on Saturday, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chairman of the Planning and Organizing Committee, unveiled the details of the elaborate week-long programme. He described the event as more than a coronation, calling it a reaffirmation of Yoruba heritage and identity.

“This is not just Ibadan’s celebration,” Oyero said. “It is a celebration of resilience, tradition, and African pride. The ascension of Oba Ladoja is the culmination of a journey of many years, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors.”

The programme begins on Monday, September 22, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). This will be followed by a cultural fiesta on Tuesday at the Olubadan Stadium in Iyaganku, showcasing Ibadan’s music, art, dance, and cuisine to thousands of expected guests.

On Wednesday, September 24, world-renowned historian and scholar, Professor Toyin Falola, will deliver the official coronation lecture at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre, a lecture expected to reflect on the evolution of Ibadan’s traditional institution and its relevance in modern governance.

Thursday, September 25, coincides with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday and will be marked by a mega praise and worship concert at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, featuring some of Nigeria’s leading gospel artists. Then, on Friday, the highly anticipated coronation itself will take place at Mapo Hall, where Oba Ladoja will officially be crowned and presented with the staff of office.

Celebrations will continue after the coronation. A Thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, September 28, at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, while the closing Jumat service is scheduled for October 3 at the Ojaba Central Mosque.

Chief Oyero hailed Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as an “uncommon magnanimity” in allowing a non-government official to chair the committee, noting that the governor provided all necessary support to ensure the coronation would be “glamorous and hitch-free.”

The Oyo State Government also announced robust security measures for the event. According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, over 2,000 security operatives drawn from the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, Amotekun Corps, and the state traffic management agency will be deployed across the city to guarantee the safety of dignitaries and residents.

“Every measure has been taken to ensure this coronation goes down in history as peaceful, orderly, and befitting of Ibadan’s stature,” Ojo assured. He added that the event would be broadcast live on television, radio, and social media to reach Nigerians in the diaspora.

Music and entertainment will also play a big role in the celebrations. Fuji music legends Saheed Osupa and Taye Currency are billed to perform alongside a lineup of Ibadan-born musicians and cultural troupes, bringing the city’s indigenous sounds to life in a display of pride and unity.

Oba Ladoja, a former senator, engineer, and businessman, is widely seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Supporters say his ascension signals a new era for Ibadanland, one that will blend cultural preservation with progressive development.

As the countdown begins, the city is abuzz with preparations. Streets are being decorated, markets are filled with chatter, and hotels are fully booked as Ibadan gears up to host what promises to be one of the most colourful coronations in its storied history.

Read also: NAF Strikes in Borno and Yobe