Olubadan: Oyo Govt To Close Major Ibadan Roads For Ladoja’s Coronation
The Oyo State Government has announced that major routes around Mapo Hall in Ibadan will be closed to traffic from 7:00 am on Friday, September 26, ahead of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The Coronation Organising Committee, inaugurated by the government, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the traffic diversions were part of security measures for the event, which is expected to be graced by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the committee, the affected routes include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall; Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba; Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba; and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall. Only the convoys of President Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will be allowed access to the venue.
To ease movement, the government designated three official car parks for the coronation.
These are located at the Ibadan North Local Government Area car park in front of the Immigration Office, Agodi; the football field beside Yemetu Police Station; and Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado. Buses will be provided to convey guests with valid invitation cards from the designated car parks to Mapo Hall.
Vendors were advised to arrive at the venue between 6:00 am and 6:45 am, as late entries will not be permitted.
Meanwhile, cultural and artistic activities continued across Ibadan ahead of Friday’s ceremony. On Monday evening, a stage play titled Arusa, a tribute to Ibadan’s royal heritage and Oba Ladoja’s life journey was performed at the Apex Event Centre, Agodi.
The play, written by Gbemi Faleti, produced by Biodun Latinwo Eleni, and directed by veteran theatre practitioner Yomi Duro-Ladipo, formed part of an elaborate eight-day programme lined up for the coronation festivities.
With masquerade displays, cultural exhibitions, and intellectual engagements scheduled before Friday, Ibadan remains agog as residents and dignitaries prepare to witness the historic installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
