IBADAN AGOG: LADOJA ASCENDS THRONE AS 44TH OLUBADAN IN GRAND CEREMONY TODAY

Ibadan, the bustling capital of Oyo State, has been set aglow with pomp, colour, and excitement as the ancient city prepares to crown Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a historic installation ceremony holding today, Friday, at the iconic Mapo Hall.

The event, which marks the climax of a week-long celebration, is expected to draw an unprecedented crowd of dignitaries, royal fathers, political heavyweights, captains of industry, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Oba Ladoja, who clocked 81 years on Thursday, is a revered businessman, politician, and former governor of Oyo State. Rising through the ranks of the Olubadan Chieftaincy hierarchy, he now assumes the exalted throne following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, just two days after his 90th birthday.

From Iwo Road to Ring Road, Mokola to Apata, Sango to Akobo, and across Molete, Eleyele, and Bashorun, the city is resplendent with colourful billboards, giant posters, and congratulatory banners bearing Ladoja’s image. Convoys of luxury vehicles with blaring sirens have become a common sight, ferrying eminent personalities into the city.

Markets will be officially shut today as a mark of honour, while several adjoining roads leading to Mapo Hall have been closed by security agencies to ease movement and ensure seamless traffic flow.

The reopening of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, freshly upgraded, on Wednesday further boosted preparations. Already, security has been beefed up across the metropolis, with heavy deployment of police, civil defence, and traffic management personnel to guarantee law and order.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, state governors, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, and business moguls are all expected to grace the epoch-making event.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who recently returned from his annual vacation, will officially present the Staff of Office to Oba Ladoja amid thunderous ovation at the grand arena of Mapo Hall.

Chief Bayo Oyero, Chairman of the Organising Committee and former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), described today as a day that “ushers in a new chapter in the rich history of Ibadanland.”

With the atmosphere already electrified and anticipation at fever pitch, all roads today lead to Mapo Hill, where history will once again be written in golden letters as Ibadan welcomes her 44th Olubadan.