Oyo Shuts Major Ibadan Roads Ahead of Tinubu Arrival for Olubadan Coronation
- Oyo State shuts key Ibadan roads on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja
- President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde are expected at the historic ceremony at Mapo Hall
- Cultural displays and the stage play Arusa celebrate Ibadan’s heritage ahead of Ladoja’s installation
The Oyo State Government has announced traffic restrictions around Mapo Hall in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, scheduled for Friday, September 26.
Key routes leading to the historic venue will be closed from 7:00 am to ensure smooth movement and tight security as dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, are expected to attend.
Source: Facebook
Ibadan roads close for Olubadan coronation
According to the organising committee, vehicles will be barred from 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 Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde will be allowed direct access to the coronation ground.
To ease movement, three official parking areas have been designated at the Ibadan North Local Government car park opposite the Immigration Office at Agodi, the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, and Liberty Stadium in Oke Ado.
Buses will transport invited guests from these locations to the venue. Vendors have been instructed to arrive between 6:00 am and 6:45 am.
The coronation is part of an elaborate eight-day programme that began on Monday with interdenominational prayers at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo.
Source: Twitter
Cultural displays shine ahead of Ladoja installation
On Tuesday, Ibadan celebrated its cultural heritage with a colourful display of masqueraders and a theatre performance of Arusa at the Apex Event Centre, Agodi.
The play, written by Gbemi Faleti and produced by Biodun Latinwo Eleni, chronicles the life of Arusa Ogungbenro, a legendary figure in Ibadan history, while drawing parallels with Ladoja’s own journey through politics and leadership.
Latinwo said the production was initially conceived as a tribute to Ladoja’s 80th birthday but found a fitting place in the coronation programme.
“Today, Arusa has found its rightful place as part of Ibadan’s historic moment,” he said.
Faleti described the work as a cultural statement celebrating resilience, leadership, and the enduring heritage of Ibadan.
Chairman of the coronation committee, Bayo Oyero, said the ceremonies reflect Ibadan’s strength and identity.
“It is Ibadan’s story we are telling today. Kabiyesi Ladoja represents values of resilience, courage, and innovation, and we honour him and our city together,” he stated.
The former governor will officially ascend the throne a day after his 81st birthday, succeeding Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7.
The grand ceremony at Mapo Hall is expected to draw traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens eager to witness the historic installation of the new Olubadan.
8 facts about Olubadan of Ibadan who died
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, has died at 90, leaving behind a legacy in politics, traditional leadership, and cultural preservation.
The revered monarch was a former lawmaker and army officer, who rose through Ibadan’s civil chieftaincy line and was widely respected for his calm leadership and advocacy for peace.
Legit.ng has put together seven important facts you should know about the revered late king.
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Source: Legit.ng
