Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, was thrown into an atmosphere of pomp and grandeur on Friday as the ancient city stood still for the historic coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
From the early hours of the day, Ibadan’s usual bustle was replaced by a solemn calm. Major markets across the city were closed, while several private businesses also shut their doors in honour of the revered monarch. To visitors, it was as though a public holiday had been declared. Residents who could not make it to the venue tuned in to television and radio stations to catch a glimpse of the epoch-making event.
The legendary Mapo Hall, the historic venue of the coronation, was filled to capacity as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond thronged the ancient site. Security operatives had a tough time controlling the mammoth crowd, as citizens jostled for space to witness the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Our correspondents, who monitored the city from Thursday, reported that all major and boutique hotels in Ibadan were fully booked, with visitors flooding the city in droves. The influx of dignitaries underscored the significance of the coronation, which has attracted both national and international attention since the formal announcement of Ladoja as Olubadan.
Among those expected at the ceremony is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is billed to lead an array of political leaders, royal fathers, captains of industry, and cultural icons to celebrate the new Olubadan. Governors, ministers, lawmakers, business magnates, and traditional rulers from different parts of the world are also in attendance.
The installation of Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable events in the city’s modern history. Known for his deep political experience, humility, and unifying personality, his coronation has been described as not just an honour to Ibadanland but to Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
For many Ibadan indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, the enthronement of Oba Rashidi Ladoja marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s illustrious history.
