Key Points
- Ibadan prepares for Ladoja coronation festivities
- Tinubu joins dignitaries for historic ceremony
- Ladoja coronation underscores Yoruba cultural traditions
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is getting ready for a big event on Friday. Former governor Rashidi Ladoja will be officially installed as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the city’s highest traditional titles.
The ceremony will take place at the historic Mapo Hall and is expected to draw President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, several governors from the southwest, important monarchs, and a wide range of political and business leaders. Local leaders say the event is a big deal in the city’s cultural and political history. It could bring thousands of people to Ibadan’s central district.
Ladoja, who is 79 years old, knows a lot about both politics and tradition. He was the governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, and he has been a major voice in the state’s politics ever since. His new rank puts him in line for the Olubadan throne, which is highly respected in Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy system, if succession goes his way.
Ibadan gets ready for the historic Ladoja coronation
Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, will lead the installation ceremonies with help from members of the Olubadan-in-Council. There will be drumming, masquerades, and processions along with the formal events. Mapo Hall is already decorated in the city’s traditional colours.
The Oyo State Police Command and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps have sent officers to key areas to make sure everyone is safe. “We’re ready for the people.” “This is a very important event for both politics and culture,” said Adebola Hamzat, a spokesman for the Ibadan Council of Chiefs.
Local hotels are almost full, and transport companies are getting ready for more business, which shows how much the celebration boosts the city’s economy.
Tinubu, governors, and kings are all going to be there
People will probably talk a lot about President Tinubu’s attendance because he has known Ladoja for a long time, even though they have been political rivals in the past. Also expected are the governors of Ondo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos. The Alaafin of Oyo, the Ooni of Ife, and other Yoruba kings have said they will be there.
According to a report by Vanguard news, Dr. Bola Ajibola, a political historian at the University of Ibadan, said, “This coronation is a moment of unity for Yoruba land.” “It mixes culture, politics, and identity at a time when Nigerians are looking for stability.”
For the people who live there, the day is both a homecoming and a show. Funmi Adisa, the leader of the market, said, “We’re proud to see our father honoured.” “Ibadan will show its place in Yoruba history once more.”
