Ibadan elites announce festivities for Oba Ladoja’s coronation as Olubadan

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has announced plans for a weeklong celebration to mark the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The coronation is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall.

The CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, said the council decided to go beyond the traditional one-day coronation in order to honour Oba Ladoja, who is widely regarded as a successful businessman, politician, and elder statesman. He noted that the new monarch’s track record—as a former senator, governor, and respected leader—deserves a befitting celebration.

To organise the event, Ajewole inaugurated a committee co-chaired by two prominent businessmen: Engr. Dotun Sanusi and Chief Adegboyega Adegoke. Several leading Ibadan indigenes also supported the initiative by donating ₦10 million each to fund the programme.

The Oyo State Government had earlier set up its own committee, led by Chief Adebayo Oyero, to plan the coronation in accordance with the tradition of supporting first-class traditional rulers. However, the CCII expanded the scope by adding more days of activities to showcase Ibadan’s cultural heritage.

According to the organisers, the programme will include interfaith prayers at the Olubadan Palace, a cultural day at the Olubadan Stadium, and a coronation lecture to be delivered by Professor Toyin Falola at the University of Ibadan. The week will also feature a stage play depicting the story of the progenitor of the Olubadan throne.

Oba Ladoja will also celebrate his 81st birthday during the festivities. Special prayers and a mega praise and worship concert have been scheduled to commemorate the occasion.

On the day of the coronation, the official installation ceremony will take place at Mapo Hall, followed by a grand reception at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium. Other activities include a thanksgiving service at the Church of the Ascension in Bodija and a civic reception at the University of Ibadan.

The ceremonies will conclude in early October with a Jumat service at the Ibadan Central Mosque and traditional homage by worshippers at the Ose Meji Temple, Oja’ba. The CCII announced that the weeklong celebration will be broadcast live on several national television and radio stations.