Photo File: President Tinubu and Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to join prominent Yoruba monarchs, political leaders, business moguls, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes to witness the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan President of Ibadanland.

The historic event, scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, marks a significant cultural moment for the ancient city and the Yoruba nation at large.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, the Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, unveiled a detailed weeklong lineup of activities ahead of the grand installation ceremony.

He described the forthcoming coronation as a “historic cultural milestone” and a reaffirmation of Ibadan’s enduring chieftaincy tradition.

“The coronation ceremony will be the culmination of a week-long series of events, beginning on Monday, September 22,” Oyero said.

“We have planned inter-religious prayers, a cultural fiesta, a coronation lecture, and a thanksgiving service. This is not just a traditional rite but a reaffirmation of our unique and timeless chieftaincy system.”

According to the committee, the coronation is being jointly organised by the Oyo State Government and key traditional institutions, in collaboration with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

The activities will commence on Monday, September 22 with an interdenominational prayer session at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo.

On Tuesday, September 23, a cultural fiesta will hold at the Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, showcasing traditional music, dance, arts, and cuisine.

A coronation lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, to be delivered by globally acclaimed scholar, Prof. Toyin Falola.

Thursday, September 25, will feature a mega praise and worship concert at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, coinciding with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday celebration.

The grand coronation will take place on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall, with attendance expected from traditional rulers, top politicians, and Ibadan sons and daughters from home and abroad.

The final leg of the celebrations includes a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, September 28, at Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, and a Special Jumat Service on Friday, October 3, at Ojaba Central Mosque.

Chief Oyero praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support and commitment to the cultural heritage of Ibadan, noting that it is the first time a non-government official would be appointed to lead the coronation committee.

“This event is not just Ibadan’s; it is a celebration of the resilience and cultural identity of our people,” he said.

“Governor Makinde has been magnanimous and uncommon in his support. He has provided everything required to make the event colourful and memorable.”

Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, assured that all security arrangements are in place to guarantee a peaceful celebration.

“Over 2,000 security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and OYRTMA will be deployed across all venues,” Ojo disclosed.

He also announced that the coronation would be broadcast live on state and national television stations, radio, and streamed online to enable the participation of Nigerians in the diaspora.

As part of the entertainment package, popular Fuji artistes including Saheed Osupa, Taye Currency, and several indigenous performers are billed to thrill guests during the festivities.

Dignitaries expected include state governors, members of the diplomatic corps, revered Yoruba traditional rulers, and prominent Ibadan indigenes across the globe.

Oba Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, Senator, engineer, and seasoned administrator, is ascending the throne after decades of service to Ibadanland and Nigeria. His coronation is widely seen as the beginning of a new era of peace, prosperity, and cultural revival in the ancient city.