The Oyo State Government has announced temporary road closures in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of former governor Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation ceremony will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the historic Mapo Hall, a day after Ladoja’s 81st birthday.
According to a statement issued by the organising committee on Tuesday, routes to be closed from 7:00 am include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall.
The committee explained that the traffic diversion was necessary due to the expected presence of President Bola Tinubu, who has pledged to attend the coronation, alongside Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
To ease movement, the government has designated three official car parks for guests:
- Ibadan North LGA Car Park (in front of the Immigration Office, Agodi)
- The football field beside Yemetu Police Station
- Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado
Shuttle buses will be provided to convey invited guests with valid passes to the coronation venue. Vendors have also been directed to arrive between 6:00 am and 6:45 am to ensure smooth logistics.
Meanwhile, the committee stressed that only the convoys of the President and Governor will be allowed unrestricted access to Mapo Hall during the event.
Preparatory activities for the coronation began on Monday with an interdenominational prayer at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North LGA.
Ladoja, who succeeds the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (the 43rd Olubadan who passed on July 7, 2025), will be formally installed as Olubadan amid fanfare and cultural displays.
