The Oyo State Government has announced traffic restrictions around Ibadan’s Mapo Hall beginning at 7:00 am on Friday as part of security arrangements for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The state’s coronation planning committee confirmed the decision on Tuesday, listing Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall; Born Photo Junction toward Oja’ba; Idi-Arere Junction leading to Oja’ba; and Itamerin Junction heading to Mapo Hall as the affected routes.
According to the committee, the closures were necessary due to the expected presence of President Bola Tinubu at the historic event.
Three official parking areas have been designated for guests: the Ibadan North Local Government Area car park opposite the Immigration Office in Agodi, the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, and Liberty Stadium at Oke Ado. Shuttle buses will be provided to transport invited guests to the venue.
Vendors of food and drinks were directed to arrive between 6:00 am and 6:45 am, while only the convoys of President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde would be permitted direct access to Mapo Hall on the day of the coronation.
Festivities leading up to the installation continued during the week. On Monday evening, a stage play titled Arusa — written by Gbemi Faleti, produced by Biodun Latinwo Eleni, and directed by Yomi Duro-Ladipo — was performed at Apex Event Centre, Agodi.
The play, originally conceived to celebrate Ladoja’s 80th birthday, was adapted into the coronation programme.
Latinwo explained, “When I first reached out to Faleti and later to Duro-Ladipo, our goal was to stage Arusa as a birthday honour to my father and benefactor, Kabiyesi. But when we realised Kabiyesi preferred a quiet celebration, the idea was shelved, only to be revived when news of his coronation broke. Today, Arusa has found its rightful place as part of Ibadan’s historic moment.”
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Faleti, the playwright, added, “While writing, I realised focusing solely on Arusa Ogungbenro would not capture the essence of Ladoja. So, I chose to weave the stories of two figures, the ancient Arusa and the modern-day Arusa, into a single narrative. This approach allows the play to transcend time, highlighting resilience, leadership, and destiny across generations while celebrating Ibadan’s enduring heritage.”
On Tuesday, masqueraders from across Yoruba-speaking regions also staged colourful cultural displays in honour of the monarch.
The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ajeniyi Ajewole, said Ladoja’s reign would transform the city: “Olubadan is not only a custodian of culture but also a statesman of national importance. He has shared his dream with me, to make Ibadan an Eduardo, a city of excellence comparable to global capitals. We believe his reign will open a new dawn for our people.”
Similarly, Bayo Oyero, chairman of the coronation committee, stressed that the celebrations highlighted Ibadan’s strength and resilience.
“It is Ibadan’s story we are telling today. The Cultural Day is not just about dancing and drumming; it is about showing our children and the world that Ibadan is a city of resilience, courage, and innovation. Kabiyesi Ladoja represents all these values, and today, we honour him and our city together.”
The coronation of the former governor, who turns 81 on Thursday, will hold on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7.
