President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto Abubakar Sa’ad, and Emirs of Kano and Ilorin are among the dignitaries expected to attend the coronation ceremony of Senator Rasidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation is scheduled to take place on Friday at the historic Mapo Hall grounds.
The event will draw thousands of visitors, including traditional rulers, politicians, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts.
To manage the large crowd, the organizing committee has announced traffic advisories, including the closure of certain routes leading to Mapo Hall.
Designated parking spaces have been allocated, and buses will be provided to convey well-wishers with valid invitation cards to the venue.
Ladoja’s coronation is seen as a significant cultural and traditional milestone, not only for Ibadan but also for the Yoruba people and Nigeria as a whole. The celebration will feature a range of activities, including:
- Cultural Fiesta: Showcasing Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dances, music, and attire
- Coronation Lecture: Delivered by renowned historian Professor Toyin Falola at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre
- Thanksgiving Service: Held at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, on Sunday, September 28
- Special Jumat Service: At the Ojaba Central Mosque on Friday, October 3
Security measures are in place, with over 2,000 operatives from various security agencies deployed to ensure a peaceful event.
