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The organising committee, inaugurated by the Oyo State Government to oversee the coronation of the former Governor of the state as new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, announced the closing of some routes leading to the ancient Mapo Hall.
A statement issued by the committee on Tuesday stated that the affected routes include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall; Born Photo Junction inwards Oja’ba; Idi-Arere Junction inwards Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inwards Mapo Hall shall be shut by 7:00 am on Friday.
According to the statement, the security committee, which is under the General Committee, chaired by the former Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes President, Bayo Oyero, informed that traffic diversions on the routes were occasioned by the coming of President Bola Tinubu, who promised to attend the coronation ceremony of the new Olubadan.
It explained that it had provided three official designated parks in Ibadan, namely, the Ibadan North Local Government Area’s Car Park in front of the Immigration Office, Agodi.
“The second car park is located at the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, while the third car park is at Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado.”
The committee added that buses would be provided to convey well-wishers with valid invitation cards to Mapo Hall.
It enjoined all food, drinks and other vendors to ensure they arrive at the venue between 6 am and 6:45 am.
The committee concluded that the convoys of Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde of the state are allowed to ply the roads leading to Mapo Hall, the venue of the coronation ceremony.
PUNCH Online reports that activities kick-starting Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan began on Monday with the interdenominational prayer at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
The former Governor would be crowned as Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, a day after his 81st birthday, at the ancient Mapo Hall, in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state.
He became Olubadan designate following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who transitioned into the great beyond on Monday, July 7, 2025. (PUNCH)
