Events

Olubadan Coronation: Oyo Deploys 2,000 Security Personnel

Published

12 months ago

September 21, 2025

Olubadan Coronation: Oyo State to deploy 2,000 security personnel as President Tinubu, Atiku, and top dignitaries attend the Ibadan celebration

The Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, revealed the security plans during a briefing at the Olubadan Palace, Oker-Aremo, Ibadan, on Saturday.

Also read: Seaman’s Schnapps Honours Olubadan-Designate Ladoja

He said the presence of President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other high-profile guests required a heavy security presence.

Oyero described the coronation as a cultural milestone that transcends Ibadan. “This event is not just Ibadan’s; it is a celebration of Yoruba heritage, Nigerian culture, and African identity,” he said.

Governor Seyi Makinde has provided full support for the weeklong celebration, appointing Oyero, a non-government stakeholder, to lead the committee in a historic move.

The programme opens with a cultural fiesta at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, on Tuesday, September 23. A coronation lecture by renowned historian Prof. Toyin Falola follows on Wednesday, September 24, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

On Thursday, September 25, a praise and worship concert at Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, will coincide with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday. The main coronation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall grounds.

A Thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, September 28, at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, while the activities conclude with a Jumat service at Ojaba Central Mosque on Friday, October 3.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, confirmed that the coronation would be broadcast live on television, radio, and social media for audiences across Nigeria and abroad.

Fuji icons Saheed Osupa and Taye Currency will headline the musical performances, alongside other local talents, showcasing Ibadan’s vibrant music culture.

Also read: Olubadan-Designate Blames Followers for Yoruba Rulers’ Rivalry

The briefing was attended by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, CCII President General Barrister Niyi Ajewole, and other traditional stakeholders.

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Events

Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

5 days ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”