In what has been described as an unprecedented move, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) is mobilising prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan to support the forthcoming coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who will ascend the throne on Friday, September 26, as the 44th Olubadan.
The President-General of CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, recently inaugurated a high-powered committee to oversee the celebration. The committee is co-chaired by two of Ibadan’s billionaire businessmen, Engr. Dotun Sanusi and Chief Adegboye Adegoke.
This is separate from the state government’s committee, led by Chief Adebayo Oyero, which was earlier constituted to handle the official coronation arrangements in line with Oyo State’s tradition of funding the installation of first-class traditional rulers.
According to CCII, Oba Ladoja’s stature as a billionaire businessman, former senator, former governor, and respected elder statesman demands a coronation that surpasses previous ceremonies.
In line with this, some frontline Ibadan sons have already donated ₦10 million each to fund the extended festivities. Unlike the state-organised one-day coronation, the CCII committee has scheduled a weeklong programme of activities.
To further elevate the occasion, arrangements have been made for live broadcast of the coronation on Arise TV, Channels TV, TVC, Solution FM, Ilaji FM, and other major national stations.
Speaking on the line-up of events, Comrade Demola Babalola and Alhaji Kunle Junaid, co-chairmen of the Media and Publicity Subcommittee, outlined the following activities:
Monday, September 22: Inter-religious prayers at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo; and a stage play on the progenitor of Kabiyesi Arusa at Apex Hall, Yidi Agodi.
Wednesday, September 24: First Olubadan Coronation Lecture by world-renowned Ibadan-born historian, Prof. Toyin Falola, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Thursday, September 25: Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday featuring Islamic prayers at the palace (10 am) and a mega praise and worship session at the Civic Centre, Agodi (2 pm).
Friday, September 26: Official coronation at Mapo Hall (9 am), followed by a family-hosted reception at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (3 pm).
Sunday, September 28: Thanksgiving service at the Church of Ascension, Bodija, and a grand civic reception at the International Conference Centre, UI (2 pm).
Friday, October 3: Jumat service at Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba.
Saturday, October 4: Traditional worshippers (“Isese”) celebration at Ose Meji Temple, Oja’ba.