The Coronation Committee for Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, convened its inaugural meeting today, September 1, 2025, to begin preparations for the monarch’s installation. The meeting, chaired by Chief Bayo Oyero, outlined a week-long series of events leading up to the main coronation ceremony on September 26.
The committee agreed on a comprehensive schedule of activities, which will kick off on Monday, September 22, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo. This service, to be organized by the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), will set a spiritual tone for the week’s events.
Key Events and Attendees
According to a release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the week’s program is as follows:
- Monday, September 22: Interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo.
- Tuesday, September 23: Cultural Day, promoted by the CCII and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- Wednesday, September 24: A coronation lecture will be delivered by the esteemed historian and scholar, Professor Toyin Falola.
- Thursday, September 25: A mega praise worship session will be held at the Civic Centre, Idi Ape.
- Friday, September 26: The main coronation ceremony will take place at Mapo Hall.
The meeting was well-attended by a mix of traditional leaders, government officials, and community representatives. Notable attendees included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo; the Asipa Olubadan designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Chief Nureni Adisa; and the Olubadan’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko.
Also in attendance were the Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Women Affairs, and Information. The chairmen of the Egbeda and Ibadan South East Local Government Councils represented the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland, while the honorable member for Ibadan South East in the House of Assembly was also present.
Key government officials, including the Governor’s Protocol Director-General and the Permanent Secretaries of Protocol and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, also participated in the meeting.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural meeting marks the official start of preparations for the historic installation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a significant event for Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
