The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has begun mobilising prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city to support a weeklong programme in honour of the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The former governor and senator will be crowned the 44th Olubadan next Friday, September 26, at the historic Mapo Hall.
CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, has inaugurated a high-powered organising committee to coordinate activities for the celebration. The committee is co-chaired by two billionaire businessmen, Engr. Dotun Sanusi and Chief Adegboye Adegoke.
Although the Oyo State Government had earlier inaugurated a committee chaired by Chief Adebayo Oyero to handle the coronation proper, CCII said it resolved to expand the scope of the celebration to reflect the stature of the monarch-designate.
According to the group, Oba Ladoja’s status as a successful businessman, politician, and elder statesman sets him apart from his predecessors, hence the need for a more elaborate programme.
Already, some frontline Ibadan indigenes have reportedly committed N10 million each to the celebration. The committee has also secured live broadcast rights with Arise TV, Channels Television, TVC, Solution FM, Ilaji FM and other national stations to beam the event.
The weeklong programme will commence with inter-religious prayers on Monday, September 22, at the Olubadan’s Palace, Oke-Aremo. A stage play on the progenitor of the Olubadan throne, Arusa, will hold at Apex Hall, Yidi Agodi.
On Tuesday, September 23, a cultural day will be staged at Olubadan Stadium. The first Olubadan coronation lecture will take place the following day at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with globally acclaimed historian, Prof. Toyin Falola, as guest lecturer.
Thursday, September 25, coincides with Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday. Islamic prayers are scheduled for 10 a.m. at the palace, while a mega praise and worship session will be held at the Civic Centre, Agodi, from 2 p.m.
The coronation proper holds on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall from 9 a.m. A reception by the royal family will follow at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium by 3 p.m.
On Sunday, September 28, a thanksgiving service will take place at the Church of Ascension, Bodija. This will be followed by a civic reception at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre.
Other post-coronation programmes include a Jumat service at Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba, on Friday, October 3, and an “Isese” traditional worshippers’ event at Ose Meji Temple, Oja’ba, on Saturday, October 4.
