Ibadan, the bustling capital of Oyo State, is brimming with excitement and anticipation as the city prepares for the historic installation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland today.
The weeklong festivities marking the occasion are set to reach their grand climax.
Ladoja, who celebrated his 81st birthday yesterday, is a renowned businessman, former senator, and ex-governor of Oyo State.
His ascension to the Olubadan stool follows a steady rise through the ranks of the Olubadan Chieftaincy hierarchy.
His nomination came after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, just two days after the monarch turned 90.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who has been on his annual vacation, was expected to return to Ibadan yesterday to present the Staff of Office to Oba Ladoja at the historic Mapo Hall.
Several dignitaries and well-wishers anticipated at the Mapo Hall for the installation have already begun arriving. Major roads across the city, including Iwo Road, Mokola, Ring Road, Challenge Area, Sango, Eleyele, Molete, Apata, Akala Road, Akobo, and Bashorun, are adorned with billboards featuring Ladoja’s photographs alongside congratulatory messages from corporate organizations, groups, and individuals.
At short intervals, sirens from vehicle convoys ferrying guests to their hotels can be heard across the city as preparations for the ceremony continue. Officers from the State Road Traffic Management Authority have been strategically stationed at key junctions to manage traffic flow efficiently, while police and other security personnel are deployed across the metropolis to maintain law and order.
A significant part of the preparations included the reopening of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan on Wednesday, following recent upgrades.
President Bola Tinubu, along with other distinguished guests, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are expected to arrive at the airport for the ceremony.
Chief Bayo Oyero, a former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and head of the Organising Committee for the installation, announced that markets in the metropolis would be closed on Friday during the event.
Additionally, the state Police Command has temporarily closed some roads near the historic Mapo Hall to ease traffic for guests.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes to reach their destinations.
