As preparations heat up for the historic coronation of Senator and former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar arrived in Ibadan on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to lend his support to the event.
The Sultan, escorted by senior members of the Sultanate Council and the District Head of Kilgori, disembarked from his flight at 2:50 p.m. at the Ladoke Akintola Airport. He was received by top officials, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Deputy President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (South), Rasaki Oladejo; Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Muslih Yahaya; Professor Wole Abbas; and Siyanbade, Secretary of the Oyo State Muslim Community.
The coronation is slated for Friday, September 26, 2025, at the historic Mapo Hall grounds. The weeklong celebration, which began on Monday, September 22, includes interdenominational prayers, a cultural fiesta, a coronation lecture, and a thanksgiving service.
Key highlights of the programme include:
- Tuesday (September 23): Cultural performances at Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku
- Wednesday (September 24): Coronation lecture by Prof. Toyin Falola at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre
- Thursday (September 25): Mega praise and worship concert at Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, which also marks Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday
- Sunday (September 28): Thanksgiving service at Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre
- Friday (October 3): Special Jum’at service at Oja’ba Central Mosque to conclude the festivities
The state government has pledged to make strong security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and orderly event, deploying over 2,000 officers from the police, DSS, Amotekun, and other relevant agencies. The coronation will be broadcast live across television, radio, and online platforms.
Dignitaries expected to attend include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, other Yoruba monarchs, governors, diplomats, and numerous Ibadan indigenes from around the world.
