Olubadan: Oyo Releases Traffic Advisory Ahead Of Coronation

The historic coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland is set to take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. In preparation for this landmark event, the Coronation Organising Committee has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory detailing diversions, closures, and alternative routes to ensure smooth movement across the city.

The advisory was made available to the media on Wednesday, highlighting measures to accommodate the large number of guests expected, including the confirmed attendance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the security sub-committee under the general committee, chaired by former CCII President, Chief Bayo Oyero, a series of road closures and diversions will be implemented to manage vehicular and pedestrian movement around Mapo Hall.

The advisory states that the affected routes will be closed from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26. Motorists and residents are advised to plan their journeys ahead of time to avoid congestion. The specific routes to be closed include:

• Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall
• Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba
• Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba
• Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall

Security personnel will be stationed at strategic points to enforce the diversions and guide road users accordingly.

To ease the movement of guests, the committee has provided a list of alternative routes and three official parking areas designated for the coronation. These include:

• Ibadan North Local Government Car Park in front of the Immigration Office, Agodi
• The football field beside Yemetu Police Station
• Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado

Shuttle buses will be available to convey guests with valid invitation cards from these designated parks directly to Mapo Hall. This measure is intended to reduce traffic congestion and ensure timely arrival for the ceremony.

The committee also issued a special advisory for food vendors and other traders operating at or near the venue. They are expected to arrive between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. before the commencement of the road closures. Late arrivals will not be granted access to restricted areas once the diversions begin.

Additionally, only the convoys of President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will be permitted to access the restricted routes leading directly to Mapo Hall. All other guests must adhere to the traffic management plan provided.

The security sub-committee has assured residents and visitors of maximum security during the coronation. Police officers, traffic wardens, and volunteer marshals will be on duty to direct traffic and maintain peace. Guests are encouraged to cooperate fully with security personnel to ensure a smooth celebration.

Emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks, will also be strategically positioned to respond swiftly to any incident.

The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is historic for Ibadanland. He succeeds the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025. The upcoming coronation is expected to be free of controversy, unlike previous enthronements.

The Balogun of Ibadan-designate, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, recently confirmed that activities leading to the coronation began with interdenominational prayers at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo on Monday. He emphasized that this time, the process is seamless and well-organized, reflecting unity among the Ibadan chieftaincy lines.

The release of a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the coronation demonstrates the Oyo State Government’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring a positive experience for attendees. With President Tinubu’s attendance confirmed, heightened security measures and traffic diversions are critical to managing the influx of visitors.

Residents are advised to make alternative travel arrangements and respect all security directives to avoid delays or disruptions during the coronation day.

Tips for Guests Attending the Coronation

• Arrive early to take advantage of shuttle services from designated parking areas.
• Keep your invitation card ready for verification before boarding shuttle buses.
• Follow all traffic and security instructions to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
• Vendors and service providers should strictly adhere to the 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. access window.

By following these tips, guests can fully enjoy the historic coronation without undue stress from traffic disruptions.

The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and unity. With dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, expected to grace the event, the Coronation Organising Committee has taken proactive steps to manage traffic, security, and logistics for the ceremony.

All roads lead to Mapo Hall on September 26, 2025, for the grand installation of Oba Ladoja. Residents and visitors are urged to heed the traffic advisory to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.