The Oyo State Government has announced road closures and traffic diversions in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organising committee disclosed that some major routes leading to the historic Mapo Hall, the venue of the ceremony, would be closed to traffic from 7:00 a.m. on the coronation day.
The affected routes include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall.
Chairman of the General Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, said the closures were necessary to ensure security and smooth traffic management during the event, which will be attended by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde.
“The traffic diversions have become necessary because of the calibre of dignitaries expected at the coronation, including President Bola Tinubu, who has promised to attend,” Oyero explained.
The committee also announced the provision of three official car parks within the city to ease congestion. These are the Ibadan North Local Government Car Park in front of the Immigration Office at Agodi, the football field beside Yemetu Police Station, and the Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado.
“To make movement seamless, buses will be provided to convey well-wishers with valid invitation cards from the designated car parks to Mapo Hall,” the statement added.
Vendors, including those selling food and drinks, were advised to arrive at the venue between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. to avoid restrictions.
According to the committee, only the convoys of President Tinubu and Governor Makinde will be allowed access to the restricted roads leading to Mapo Hall.
The coronation ceremony is coming a day after Ladoja’s 81st birthday. He emerged as the Olubadan-designate following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025.
Activities leading to the coronation began on Monday with an interdenominational prayer held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
