Events

Olubadan Coronation: Oyo Deploys 2,000 Security Personnel

Published

1 year 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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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.