High Security for Former Gov Ladoja’s Coronation

The committee for the coronation of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland has announced the mobilization of no fewer than two thousand security personnel for the historic ceremony. The significant security detail, comprising officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has been organized to ensure peace, tranquility, and orderliness for an event expected to attract a multitude of high-profile dignitaries from within Nigeria and across the globe.

The highly anticipated coronation, scheduled to take place at the iconic Mapo Hall on Friday, September 26, 2025, marks the culmination of a long and distinguished journey for the new Olubadan. The venue itself is steeped in history; the colonial-era building, modeled after St. George’s Hall in Liverpool, has served as the traditional site for the crowning of numerous Olubadans and has hosted many of Nigeria’s most significant political and social gatherings. The choice of venue underscores the profound cultural and historical weight of the occasion. Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Chief Mustafa Adebayo Oyero, explained that the presence of prominent figures such as President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, among other important personalities, necessitated the involvement of such a high number of security personnel to guarantee the safety of all attendees.

The ascension of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja to the throne is a powerful illustration of the unique Ibadan chieftaincy system, which is notably different from the hereditary monarchies found in many other parts of Yorubaland. This democratic and rotational system is a well-structured hierarchy with two main lines: the Otun Line (civil) and the Balogun Line (military). Individuals ascend the chieftaincy ladder step-by-step, a process that ensures that only experienced and seasoned leaders, regardless of their social background, eventually become eligible to lead the city. Ladoja’s journey to the throne is particularly remarkable given his dual role as a former political leader and a traditional figure. He served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, a period marked by significant political events, including his impeachment and later reinstatement by the courts. His journey from being a political heavyweight to becoming the paramount ruler of Ibadanland is a testament to the city’s ability to integrate both modernity and tradition.

As the countdown to the coronation begins, the city of Ibadan is buzzing with excitement. The crowning of a new Olubadan is not just a local ceremony; it is a major cultural event that symbolizes the continuity and resilience of Ibadan’s heritage. The new king, who is now the 44th monarch to hold the title, is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order, fostering community development, and preserving the rich traditions of the city. The elaborate security arrangements for the ceremony reflect the immense importance and high expectations placed on the new king’s reign.

Tags: Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Ladoja, Mapo Hall, Oyo State