Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, is alive today as the much-anticipated coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, takes centre stage.
The Mapo Hall is the point of convergence for political leaders, traditional rulers, residents and visitors who have surged to the city from far and wide to witness the historic coronation of Oba Ladoja.
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Among the top dignitaries expected to attend the colourful event are President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, several serving governors, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will be a big host of the day.
Mapo Hall is the venue, but the high spirits stirred by the coronation are city-wide. Ibadan has come alive with an influx of visitors and posters adorning major locations.
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In the week before Friday’s coronation, Ibadan hosted a series of activities, including interdenominational prayers, a cultural day with masquerades and traditional displays, a public lecture by Toyin Falola, a professor of African Studies, and the completion of traditional rites for Oba Ladoja.
Authorities have also issued security advisories, refurbished Mapo Hall, issued traffic and market shutdown advisories, and reopened the Ibadan airport as dignitaries and guests trooped into the city.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Ibadan comes alive in anticipation of Ladoja’s coronation as Olubadan
The Olubadan stool, renowned for its unique and orderly succession system, has stood the test of centuries. Unlike other traditional thrones, where ascension is unpredictable, the Olubadan line remains one of Nigeria’s most structured. It involves promotion step by step through two alternating chieftaincy lines up the ladder to the most senior, who emerges as Olubadan.
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Today, Oba Ladoja, 81, ascends the Olubadan throne, after first becoming Mogaji in the 1980s and later taking his place on the ladder as Jagun Olubadan on 1 October 1993. He is the first former governor to ascend the coveted throne.
Oba Ladoja’s ascension has whipped up merriments no other Olubadan coronation has seen in more than two decades, a testament to his towering social and political stature.
The coronation promises to showcase the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Ibadan and, by extension, that of Yoruba people, primarily located in South-west Nigeria.
Come along as we provide you with blow-by-blow updates of the ceremony.
8:12 a.m.: Heavy security presence as security operatives mount road block on the road leading to Mapo Hall, venue of the coronation.
8.40 a.m.: SSS operative conducts security sweep at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, ahead of Oba Ladoja’s coronation.
9:11 a.m.: Thousands have gathered at Mapo Hall to witness the installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The air is heavy with anticipation as guests, decked in their finest Yoruba traditional attires, await the arrival of the Olubadan. The vibrant colours of ‘aso-ebi’ and the rhythmic beat of traditional drums set a festive yet solemn tone for the historic occasion.
Officers of the State Security Service (SSS), alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have been deployed across the venue to ensure the safety of dignitaries and attendees.
10:00 a.m.: The compere announced arrival of guests to the coronation event in Mapo Hall.
10.16 a.m.: Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun arrives the coronation venue.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye, has also arrived.
10:42 a.m.: Alaafin Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade arrives with palace entourage.
11:04 a.m.: Chief Imam of Ibadan, Ganiyu Agbotomokekere, says islamic prayer.
11.42 a.m.: Oba Rashidi Ladoja arrives Mapo Hall, venue of his corronation and acceptance of staff of office.
11:45 a.m.: Oba Rashidi Ladoja and his entourage were given a rousing welcome to Mapo Hall, as popular fuji musician Taye Currency hailed the new Olubadan with songs of praise.
11:19 a.m.: Cultural troop thrills crowd with traditional dance.
12:13 p.m.: The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, arrives Mapo Hall for Olubadan coronation.
Oba Ladoja thanks Governor Makinde for his support, asks President Tinubu for establishment of Ibadan state.
President Bola Tinubu at the coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
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