Ibadan Awaits History As Ladoja Prepares For Coronation As 44th Olubadan

The inaugural meeting of the committee planning the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was convened on Monday under the leadership of Chief Bayo Oyero. The high-level session brought together senior government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Olubadan-in-Council to finalize activities ahead of the historic event slated for Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the committee announced a week-long series of events leading up to the coronation. Proceedings will begin on Monday, September 22, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

A Cultural Day, jointly promoted by the CCII and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will follow on Tuesday, while Wednesday will feature a coronation lecture to be delivered by renowned historian Professor Toyin Falola. On Thursday, a Mega Praise Worship is scheduled to take place at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, culminating in the formal installation ceremony at Mapo Hall on Friday.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including the Asipa Olubadan-designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Chief Nureni Adisa, and the monarch’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko. Also present were the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Culture and Tourism, Women Affairs, and Information, along with local government chairmen representing Ibadanland’s 11 councils, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, the Governor’s Protocol Director-General, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.