Historic Meeting As Ooni Visits Olubadan-Designate In Ibadan

According to Ireporter Online, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. The meeting took place on Sunday at Ladoja’s Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of his official coronation.

Oba Ladoja is set to be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Ibadan on Friday to witness the coronation, which will hold at the historic Mapo Hall grounds. The event is anticipated to attract first-class Yoruba monarchs, state governors, political leaders, business moguls, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes from within and outside the country.

The coronation marks the climax of a weeklong programme of activities beginning Monday, September 22. According to the planning committee, the schedule opens with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, followed by a cultural fiesta at the Olubadan Stadium on Tuesday. A public lecture is billed for Wednesday at the University of Ibadan, while Thursday will feature a praise and worship concert coinciding with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday celebration.

The grand coronation ceremony will take place on Friday, followed by a thanksgiving service at Oke Padre Cathedral on Sunday, with a Jumat service scheduled for October 3 to conclude the festivities.

Security has been prioritized, with over 2,000 personnel from the Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and OYRTMA deployed to maintain order throughout the celebrations. The Oyo State Government has also confirmed that the event will be broadcast live on television, radio, and digital platforms to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to be part of the historic occasion.