The Oyo State capital, Ibadan is agog with celebrations as preparations reach their peak for the official installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland today. The colourful ceremony will mark the grand finale of a week-long programme.
Ladoja, who turned 81 on Thursday, is a respected businessman, former senator and ex-governor of Oyo State. He rose through the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy hierarchy to earn the revered title. His nomination followed the July 7 passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, just two days after Olakulehin’s 90th birthday.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who has been on his annual vacation, returned back to Ibadan on Thursday night and he his expected to present Staff of Office to the new monarch at the historic Mapo Hall.
Already, the city wears a festive look. Major roads such as Iwo Road, Mokola, Ring Road, Challenge, Sango, Eleyele, Molete, Apata, Akala Road, Akobo and Bashorun are adorned with billboards and congratulatory messages bearing Ladoja’s image. Convoys of dignitaries’ vehicles, often accompanied by sirens, have been sighted heading to hotels across the city.
To ensure smooth traffic and security, officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, the police and other security agencies have been strategically deployed. The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, recently reopened after upgrades on Wednesday, is set to receive prominent guests, including President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
According to Chief Bayo Oyero, chairman of the installation’s organising committee and former president of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), markets across the city will close on Friday to honour the event.
The Oyo State Police Command has also restricted access to some roads adjoining Mapo Hall to ease movement for guests, urging motorists to use alternative routes throughout the ceremony.
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