- Residents appeal to Oyo State Government ahead of September 26 ceremony
Excitement is reaching fever pitch across Ibadan as the ancient city prepares to crown His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
For weeks, communities, family compounds, and traditional institutions have been fine-tuning their preparations. The coronation at Mapo Hall, the historic centre of Ibadan politics and tradition, is already shaping up to be one of the grandest ceremonies in the history of Yoruba kingship.
But alongside the jubilations, residents are pressing a serious demand: they want the Oyo State Government to declare Friday a public holiday to ensure safety, orderliness, and full participation in the once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
In interviews with Inquisitores.com, residents emphasized the sheer scale of the expected turnout.
“Ibadan will be uncommonly busy. No compound will be left out,” one Mogaji said. “Every family has made arrangements to host their people, especially those who cannot be at Mapo Hall. All 11 local governments in Ibadan will be alive with celebration.”
Markets across the city are also expected to close as traders join in the festivities, and as a mark of honour to the incoming monarch.
Residents insist that a holiday is not merely symbolic—it is a safety necessity. With dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians, and guests pouring in from across Nigeria, traffic congestion is expected to hit record levels.
“Children should not be on the road that day,” a parent warned. “There will be convoys, escorts, and heavy security presence. FRSC officers will struggle to maintain control. For the sake of schoolchildren and commuters, Friday must be declared work-free.”
Many argue that shutting down schools and public offices, at least within Ibadan, will reduce risks of accidents and make movement easier for visitors.
While public holidays have not traditionally been declared for coronations in Nigeria, residents say Oba Ladoja’s ascension is unique.
They describe him as a man of the people, admired not only for his royal lineage but also for his life of service—as a human rights activist, former governor, politician, and respected elder statesman.
“Oba Ladoja is exceptional,” a trader in Oje Market remarked. “He is principled, contented, and has always stood with the people. That is why everyone wants to celebrate him.”
For many, his coronation represents not just the continuity of Ibadan’s rich tradition but also the enthronement of a monarch whose popularity cuts across social, political, and generational divides.
The scale of preparations extends beyond Ibadan itself. Residents say delegations from all five geopolitical zones of Oyo State will travel to the capital, alongside representatives from other Yoruba towns and even states outside the Southwest.
With the presence of eminent monarchs, political leaders, and international observers, security agencies are expected to deploy heavily to the city. Hotels and event centres are already fully booked, further underlining the need for what some call “extraordinary planning.”
The choice of Mapo Hall as the coronation venue is significant. The colonial-era building, towering over Ibadan from its hilltop, has hosted some of the city’s most defining political and cultural moments. From Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s rallies to pivotal Ibadan chieftaincy ceremonies, Mapo is a symbol of Ibadan pride.
This Friday, it will once again take centre stage as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja receives his staff of office and takes his place in the revered line of Olubadans.
Though excitement dominates the air, residents remain firm in their call for a holiday.
“Even if it has never been done before, this situation is different,” said one respondent. “The number of visitors and the scale of the programme are unprecedented. The government and coronation committee must be proactive to prevent chaos.”
For Ibadan indigenes, the coronation of Oba Ladoja is more than a traditional rite—it is a cultural festival, a political gathering, and a moment of pride wrapped into one. And they want every resident, from schoolchildren to market traders, to be part of it without fear of disruption or danger.
Who is Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja?
- Former Senator (1993)
- He joined NADECO (Human Right Group) in 1994
- Former Governor of Oyo State (2003–2007)
- Known for his human rights activism and pro-people policies
- A respected businessman and philanthropist
- Widely admired for his humility, simplicity, and principled leadership
- Now ascending as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
Quick Facts: The Olubadan Stool
- The Olubadan is the paramount ruler of Ibadanland, one of the most prestigious traditional titles in Yorubaland.
- Unlike many monarchies, the Olubadan succession follows a merit-based rotational system, ensuring transparency and order.
- Coronations are typically elaborate but this year’s event is projected to be the largest in Ibadan’s history.
Whether or not the Oyo State Government heeds the call to declare Friday a holiday, one thing is certain: Ibadan is on the verge of hosting a coronation that will be remembered for generations.
For the people of the city, this is not just about tradition—it is about celebrating a leader they consider one of their own, and ensuring that history is made in the safest and grandest way possible.
