Ibadan Braces for Ladoja’s Crowning, Roads Closed for Presidential Visit

Ibadan Braces for Ladoja’s Crowning, Roads Closed for Presidential Visit

 

 

 

The Oyo State Government has announced the closure of key roads in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

 

A statement from the organising committee, inaugurated by the state government to oversee the ceremony, said that Beere Junction towards Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction and Idi-Arere Junction towards Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction towards Mapo Hall will be closed from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26.

 

The move, the statement explained, is to manage traffic as President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the coronation.

 

To facilitate smooth movement, three official car parks have been designated: the Ibadan North Local Government Area car park in front of the Immigration Office, Agodi; the football field beside Yemetu Police Station; and Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado. Shuttle buses will ferry guests with valid invitation cards from these points to Mapo Hall.

 

The committee also urged food and drink vendors to arrive at the venue between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. It stressed that the convoys of President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde would have unrestricted access to roads leading to Mapo Hall.

 

Preparations for Ladoja’s coronation began on Monday with an interdenominational prayer at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area. The former governor, who turns 81 on September 25, will be officially crowned on Friday, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.

 

The coronation of Oba Ladoja is expected to draw dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across Nigeria, marking a significant cultural event in Ibadanland.