In what has been described as an unprecedented development in Ibadan’s cultural history, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has unveiled plans for a weeklong celebration to mark the coronation of the incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. The former governor and elder statesman will ascend the throne next Friday, September 26, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The President-General of CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, inaugurated a high-powered committee led by billionaire businessmen Engr. Dotun Sanusi and Chief Adegboye Adegoke to co-chair the grand celebration. While the Oyo State Government has constituted its own committee, headed by Chief Adebayo Oyero, to oversee the official coronation, the CCII believes Oba Ladoja’s towering profile as a successful entrepreneur, senator, governor, and philanthropist deserves a more elaborate commemoration.
To this end, several prominent Ibadan sons have reportedly contributed N10 million each to bankroll the festivities, which will stretch beyond the official coronation day. The committee has lined up a series of cultural, religious, and academic events spanning two weeks, ensuring the city celebrates one of its most distinguished leaders in style.
Highlights of the program include:
Monday, September 22: Inter-religious prayers at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, followed by a stage play on Kabiyesi Arusa at Apex Hall, Yidi, Agodi.
Tuesday, September 23: Cultural Day at the Olubadan Stadium.
Wednesday, September 24: The first-ever Olubadan Coronation Lecture, to be delivered by globally renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola, at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre.
Thursday, September 25: Celebration of Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday, featuring Islamic prayers at the palace in the morning and a mega praise and worship concert at Agodi Civic Centre in the afternoon.
Friday, September 26: The official coronation at Mapo Hall from 9 a.m., followed by a family-organised reception at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
Sunday, September 28: A thanksgiving service at the Church of Ascension, Bodija, and a grand civic reception at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Friday, October 3: Jumat prayers at Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba.
Saturday, October 4: Traditional “Isese” worshippers’ convergence at Ose Meji Temple, Oja’ba.
To give the event national and global visibility, live broadcasts have been secured with Arise TV, Channels TV, TVC, Solution FM, and Ilaji FM, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the media and publicity subcommittee, Comrade Demola Babalola and Alhaji Kunle Junaid assured that the celebration will not only honour Oba Ladoja but also showcase Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
The coronation of Oba Ladoja marks a historic chapter in Ibadan’s royal lineage, blending modernity with tradition and rallying the city’s elite around their new monarch.
