President Tinubu, Atiku, Traditional Rulers to Attend Olubadan Coronation Ceremony

President Tinubu, Atiku, Traditional Rulers to Attend Olubadan Coronation Ceremony

  • President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and revered traditional rulers are set to attend the coronation of Senator Rasidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
  • The week-long festivities, marked by cultural displays and heightened city-wide awareness, will culminate in a grand ceremony at Mapo Hall on Friday
  • Traffic diversions and security measures have been announced to accommodate the high-profile guests and ensure smooth proceedings

Ibadan is set to host a historic coronation ceremony on Friday as Senator Rasidi Ladoja ascends the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The event is expected to draw a distinguished gathering of political and traditional leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, and the Emirs of Kano, Dr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

President Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar join royal dignitaries for Senator Rasidi Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ibadan celebrates Olubadan coronation with cultural fiesta, traditional rites, and high-profile political attendance. Photo credit: officialABAT/X
Source: Twitter

Chief Adeola Oloko, media aide to Senator Ladoja, confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that President Tinubu had personally assured the Olubadan designate of his attendance during a telephone conversation.

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“Tinubu and Ladoja were members of the National Assembly in the defunct Second Republic. Ladoja, then, represented Oyo South Senatorial District while Tinubu represented Lagos West Senatorial District,” Oloko stated.

He further revealed that several prominent figures, including serving and former governors such as Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Mr Ayo Fayose, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, would also grace the occasion.

Ibadan residents celebrate unprecedented awareness campaign

Residents and visitors have described the coronation as an unprecedented event in the political history of Ibadanland.

Interviews conducted by the Nigerian Tribune indicated widespread excitement and acceptance of Senator Ladoja’s nomination. “Billboards and banners are strategically mounted at the various corners of the city,” some residents noted, highlighting the scale of the awareness campaign.

The week-long coronation festivities commenced on Monday with interdenominational prayers and are scheduled to culminate on Friday with the presentation of the Staff of Office and other ceremonial rites.

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In accordance with tradition, Oba Ladoja has ceased receiving visitors since Monday to allow for the completion of mandatory traditional rites.

Cultural fiesta showcases Ibadan heritage

As part of the coronation activities, a cultural fiesta was held on Tuesday at the Olubadan Stadium in Iyaganku.

The event featured traditional dances, music, and attire that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Ibadan people.

Traffic diversions announced ahead of coronation

In preparation for the high-profile event, the Oyo State government’s organising committee has announced traffic diversions around Mapo Hall, the venue of the coronation.

According to a traffic advisory issued on Tuesday, routes including Beere Junction, Born Photo Junction, Idi-Arere Junction, and Itamerin Junction will be closed from 7:00am on Friday.

The security committee, chaired by former CCII president Chief Bayo Oyero, stated that the diversions were necessitated by the expected arrival of President Tinubu.

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Ooni of Ife visits Olubadan designate Rashidi Ladoja in Ibadan

To facilitate access, three designated car parks have been provided: Ibadan North Local Government Area’s Car Park at Agodi, the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, and Liberty Stadium at Oke-Ado.

Buses will be available to transport well-wishers with valid invitation cards to Mapo Hall. Vendors have been instructed to arrive between 6:00am and 6:45am.

The committee clarified that only the convoys of President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will be permitted to use the restricted routes.

Road closures and traffic diversions announced ahead of Olubadan coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
Road closures and traffic diversions announced ahead of Olubadan coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. Photo credit: Rashidi Ladoja/X
Source: Facebook

Ooni visits Olubadan designate in Ibadan

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, paid a courtesy visit on Sunday to the Olubadan designate, Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.