Olusegun Adeyemo
Ibadan is alive with anticipation as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, cut short his annual leave to personally take charge of preparations for the historic Olubadan coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
At Thursday’s plenary, the Oyo State House of Assembly formally acknowledged the Governor’s letter of early resumption, read by Deputy Speaker Hon. Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi on behalf of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin. Lawmakers responded with unanimous approval, hailing the move as a sign of Makinde’s commitment to Ibadan’s cultural legacy.
Originally scheduled to be away until September 29, the Governor explained that the significance of the Olubadan coronation made it necessary to end his leave ahead of time. “I shall resume duty tomorrow, 26th September 2025, and hereby assume the full functions of the office of Governor of Oyo State,” his letter stated.
Grateful to his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, for holding the fort as Acting Governor during his absence, Makinde confirmed that Lawal would now return to his substantive role. Inside the Assembly chamber, lawmakers praised both men for demonstrating teamwork and leadership at a defining moment in the state’s history.
For the people of Ibadan, the Governor’s decision has added weight to the already heightened excitement surrounding the Olubadan coronation. Beyond the rituals and grandeur, residents see it as a unifying moment — one that ties the past to the present and reminds the city of its enduring place in Yoruba tradition.
As the countdown continues, Ibadan prepares not just for the ascension of a new monarch, but also for the spectacle of a cultural celebration guided by a Governor determined to stand at the heart of history. For Makinde, returning early is more than duty; it is a personal pledge to honour the Olubadan coronation as one of the proudest milestones in the story of Ibadanland.