Oyo State closes major routes around Mapo Hall to secure Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja’s coronation, with cultural festivities marking the historic event
Oyo State government has announced the closure of major roads around Ibadan’s historic Mapo Hall starting 7:00 am on Friday, September 26, to ensure security and smooth proceedings for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The announcement came from the coronation organising committee, set up by the state government, which revealed that key routes including Beere Junction towards Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction and Idi-Arere Junction inwards Oja’ba, as well as Itamerin Junction heading to Mapo Hall, will be closed to traffic.
In preparation for the event, only the convoys of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde will be permitted to access roads leading to Mapo Hall, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the attendance of the nation’s leader.
Three official car parks have been designated for guests: Ibadan North Local Government Area car park near the Immigration Office at Agodi, the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, and Liberty Stadium at Oke Ado.
Buses will ferry invited well-wishers from these points to the venue.
Vendors have been advised to arrive between 6:00 am and 6:45 am to prepare for the event, while the committee urged cooperation to ensure a smooth and memorable coronation ceremony.
Ahead of the coronation, cultural celebrations have already begun.
On Monday evening, a play titled Arusa was performed at the Apex Event Centre, Agodi, showcasing Ibadan’s rich royal heritage.
The play, written by Gbemi Faleti and produced by Biodun Latinwo Eleni, recounts the legacy of Arusa Ogungbenro, a legendary figure who defied tradition to reshape the destiny of Oke-Agala.
The production featured renowned actors such as Dele Odule, Taiwo Ibikunle, and Toyin Adegbola, captivating audiences with themes of resilience, leadership, and destiny.
Masqueraders from across Yoruba-speaking states also converged in Ibadan on Tuesday to celebrate Oba Ladoja, demonstrating the deep cultural pride surrounding his ascension.
The President-General of the Concerned Citizens of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ajeniyi Ajewole, described the Olubadan as a custodian of culture and a statesman with a vision to elevate Ibadan to global excellence.
The 44th Coronation Committee Chairman, Bayo Oyero, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the week-long events tell the story of Ibadan’s identity, resilience, and courage.
The official coronation will take place on Friday, September 26, one day after Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday, at the revered Mapo Hall.
He succeeds the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
This landmark event is set to reaffirm Ibadan’s cultural heritage and mark a new chapter in the city’s storied history.
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