The inaugural committee meeting for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland convened on Monday, setting the stage for a week-long celebration. Presided over by Chief Bayo Oyero, the committee, which included government officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives, meticulously outlined the events leading up to the historic coronation scheduled for September 26th. The meeting underscored the collaborative spirit and meticulous planning invested in ensuring a grand and befitting ceremony for the new monarch. The presence of key figures, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Demola Ojo, and representatives of the Olubadan-designate, signaled the importance attached to the smooth transition of power and the seamless execution of the coronation proceedings.
The committee unveiled a week-long program designed to blend spiritual reflection, cultural expression, and scholarly discourse. The festivities will commence on Monday, September 22nd, with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, organized by the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). This spiritual invocation will set a tone of reverence and unity, bringing together people of diverse faiths to offer blessings for the new Olubadan and the future of Ibadanland. Following the interdenominational service, a Cultural Day will be observed on Tuesday, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of Ibadan. This event, jointly hosted by the CCII and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will feature displays of traditional music, dance, art, and attire, highlighting the vibrant cultural tapestry of the community.
Adding an intellectual dimension to the celebrations, a coronation lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24th. The lecture, to be delivered by renowned historian and scholar, Professor Toyin Falola, will provide an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of the Olubadan institution, its role in the development of Ibadan, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Professor Falola’s expertise and insights promise a thought-provoking and enriching discourse, further elevating the coronation proceedings. The day after the lecture will be dedicated to a Mega Praise worship event at the Civic Centre in Idi-Ape, Ibadan. This gathering will bring together people from all walks of life to offer praise and thanksgiving, further solidifying the spiritual foundation of the coronation.
The culmination of the week-long celebrations will be the coronation ceremony itself, scheduled for Friday, September 26th, at the historic Mapo Hall. This grand event will witness the formal installation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, marking a significant moment in the history of Ibadanland. The choice of Mapo Hall as the venue underscores the historical weight of the occasion, as this iconic landmark has served as a backdrop for numerous significant events in the city’s history. The coronation ceremony is expected to draw a large crowd, including dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond.
The inaugural committee meeting, attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, reflects the broad-based support for the new Olubadan and the collaborative efforts underway to ensure a successful coronation. Among those present were representatives of the Olubadan-designate, including the Asipa Olubadan designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Chief Nureni Adisa; and Chief Adeola Oloko, the Media Aide to the Olubadan. Government representatives included Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Women Affairs, and Information, as well as local government council chairmen representing the eleven local government councils in Ibadanland and a member of the House of Assembly for Ibadan South-East. The Governor’s Protocol Director-General, Permanent Secretaries’ Protocol, and representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters also attended the meeting, highlighting the importance of the event within the governmental hierarchy.
The comprehensive planning and the involvement of various stakeholders demonstrate the significance attached to the coronation of the 44th Olubadan. The week-long program promises a rich blend of spiritual reflection, cultural celebration, intellectual discourse, and historical significance, marking a new chapter in the history of Ibadanland. The coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja represents not just a change in leadership, but also a continuation of the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Ibadan. The meticulous planning and the enthusiastic participation of the community bode well for a successful coronation and a prosperous reign for the new Olubadan.
