Olubadan designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja
A wave of jubilation has swept across Ibadan as the city eagerly awaits the formal installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, scheduled for Friday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the week-long festivities marking the monarch’s ascension will culminate in a grand ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall.
Ladoja, who turned 81 on Thursday, is a respected businessman, former senator, and one-time governor of Oyo State.
He has dutifully climbed the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy ladder to reach the pinnacle of Ibadan’s royal institution.
His nomination followed the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7—just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
Governor Seyi Makinde, currently on his annual leave, is expected to return to Ibadan on Thursday to officially present the Staff of Office to Oba Ladoja.
Already, dignitaries and guests from across Nigeria have begun arriving for the occasion. The city’s major roads—Iwo Road, Mokola, Ring-Road, Challenge, Sango, Eleyele, Molete, Apata, Akala Road, Akobo, and Bashorun—have been transformed with vibrant billboards featuring Ladoja’s image and congratulatory messages from individuals, organizations, and well-wishers.
Convoys with blaring sirens are now a regular feature on the city’s roads, transporting guests to hotels and event venues.
Traffic officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority have been deployed to key junctions to ensure smooth flow, while police and other security agencies are maintaining order across Ibadan.
Adding to the preparations, the recently upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan was reopened on Wednesday to facilitate the arrival of high-profile guests.
Among those expected are President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Chairman of the Installation Organising Committee and former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, announced that all markets in the city will remain closed on Friday in honour of the event.
To ease movement around the ceremonial venue, the state police command has also ordered the temporary closure of roads adjoining Mapo Hall. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes.
The city is ready, the people are expectant, and history is about to be made as Ibadan welcomes a new monarch to the throne.
NAN
