The Coronation Committee for the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has announced a weeklong series of events leading up to the official coronation of the new monarch, set to take place on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The committee, led by Bayo Oyero, a former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), held its first meeting yesterday in Ibadan, with all members and key government representatives in attendance.
In a statement released by Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, it was revealed that the coronation festivities will begin on Monday, September 22, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo. The service is being coordinated by the CCII.
On Tuesday, September 23, a Cultural Day celebration will be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the CCII. This will be followed on Wednesday by a coronation lecture to be delivered by a renowned historian and scholar, Prof. Toyin Falola.
Also, on Thursday, September 25, there will be a mega praise worship at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, while the grand coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place at Mapo Hall on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The committee’s inaugural meeting also had in attendance the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Demola Ojo; Asipa Olubadan-designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Chief Nureni Adisa; and Media Aide to the Olubadan, Chief Adeola Oloko.
Other notable attendees include Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Women Affairs, and Information, local council chairmen from Ibadanland, led by representatives from Egbeda and Ibadan South-East, and the Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Ibadan South-East.
Also present were the Director-General of the Governor’s Protocol Unit, along with Permanent Secretaries from the Protocol Department and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Meanwhile, the weeklong celebration is expected to draw dignitaries and traditional rulers from across the country. Meanwhile, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, Lekan Alabi, has said that the ascension of Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland will usher in unprecedented development, judging from the successes the Olubadan-designate had recorded in his private life.
Alabi, who spoke with The Guardian in Ibadan, expressed optimism that the successes Ladoja had recorded in business, politics and public service would reflect in Ibadan royalty.
He said: ‘’By the grace of God, we are going to have a successful Olubadan. He was a senator and governor. So, his private success will reflect in his royalty. I wish him long life, good health and success.”