The Oyo State Government has announced the closure of key routes in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of former governor Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The state’s organising committee, inaugurated to coordinate the historic event, said in a statement on Tuesday that the affected roads will be shut from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, to ensure smooth movement and security around the ancient Mapo Hall, venue of the coronation ceremony.
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
The committee explained that the closures and traffic diversions were necessitated by the planned attendance of President Bola Tinubu, who has confirmed his presence at the coronation.
To ease movement, three official car parks have been designated for invited guests:
- Ibadan North LGA Car Park (in front of Immigration Office, Agodi)
- Football Field beside Yemetu Police Station
- Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado
Shuttle buses will be provided to convey guests with valid invitation cards from the car parks to Mapo Hall.
Vendors have also been instructed to arrive at the venue between 6:00 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. for security screening. The convoys of President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde will be allowed unhindered access to the venue.
Preparatory activities for the coronation kicked off on Monday with an interdenominational prayer at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo. Oba Rashidi Ladoja will officially ascend the throne on Friday, a day after his 81st birthday, succeeding the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
