Gbenga Daniel

Prominent dignitaries from across South West and Nigeria are currently gathered at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I. The historic event has attracted eminent personalities, political leaders, traditional rulers, and captains of industry. Among those already in attendance are former governors of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as well as Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District. The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and Owa Abokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup have also arrived to join other prominent traditional rulers at the ceremony. The wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, is also at the venue, alongside the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dauda Akinola, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council. Deputy governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; former First Lady of Oyo State and one of the wives of the new Olubadan, Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, members of the Olubadan-in Council, traditional rulers, executive members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Representatives of professional bodies, are also on ground to honour the new monarch. The coronation proceedings are ongoing, featuring cultural displays, traditional rites, and prayers. Thousands of indigenes and well-wishers continue to troop into Mapo Hall, as Ibadan celebrates the formal installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.