Olusegun Adeyemo
The heartbeat of Ibadan is quickening as the ancient city counts down to the Olubadan Coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. From the bustling markets of Dugbe to the towering Mapo Hall, where the ceremony will unfold, anticipation hangs in the air like the sound of traditional drums calling people home.
On Thursday, Oyo State’s Acting Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, walked through the Mapo precincts, inspecting the decorated grounds where dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond will soon gather. With a smile of approval, he praised the committee of elders, artisans, and cultural custodians whose tireless work is shaping what promises to be one of the most memorable events in the city’s history.
“This Olubadan Coronation,” he remarked, “is more than a change of crown. It is the renewal of Ibadan’s soul a pledge of peace, prosperity, and progress for our people.”
Already, Ibadan is polishing its image for the world. Streets are being adorned, cultural troupes rehearsing, and hospitality vendors preparing to welcome visitors. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the diaspora are expected to attend, making the city a melting pot of tradition and modernity.
For Ibadan indigenes, the Olubadan Coronation of Oba Ladoja is more than a royal ceremony — it is a reminder of the resilience of their institutions and the enduring strength of Yoruba heritage. As the ancient throne prepares to receive its new custodian, the city itself is writing another chapter in a legacy that has stood the test of centuries.
When the sun rises on coronation day, Mapo Hall will not only host the Olubadan Coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja but also reaffirm Ibadan’s place as the guardian of Yoruba identity — proud, resilient, and ever welcoming.