September 3, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Preparations for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, have officially begun with the inaugural meeting of the Coronation Committee held today under the chairmanship of Chief Bayo Oyero.
The meeting, attended by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo, focused on the September 26 coronation and agreed on a one-week programme of activities leading up to the historic event.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the activities will begin on Monday, September 22, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, to be organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
On Tuesday, a Cultural Day will hold, jointly promoted by the CCII and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while Wednesday will feature a Coronation Lecture to be delivered by renowned historian, Prof. Toyin Falola.
Thursday will be dedicated to a Mega Praise Worship at the Civic Centre, Idi Ape. The grand event, the Coronation Ceremony of the new Olubadan, will then take place on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall.
The inaugural meeting was also attended by representatives of the Olubadan, including the Asipa Olubadan-designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Chief Nureni Adisa, and Chief Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan.
Others present were the Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Women Affairs, and Information, alongside the local government chairmen of Egbeda and Ibadan South East, who represented the 11 local governments in Ibadanland.
Also in attendance were the Ibadan South East lawmaker at the Oyo State House of Assembly, the Director-General of the Governor’s Protocol, as well as Permanent Secretaries from the Governor’s Protocol and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
