Makinde: APC Can Use Mapo Hall for Campaign If It Meets Conditions

  Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties can use Mapo Hall in Ibadan for campaign activities if they meet the stipulated requirements. Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and political inclusiveness in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju. His position followed concerns over the APC’s proposed use of Mapo Hall for its presidential campaign. The governor said government-owned facilities belonged to the people of Oyo State and should be managed transparently, without political bias. According to him, all political parties should have equal opportunities to engage with voters, provided they operate within the law and comply with the rules governing public facilities. Makinde stressed that access to government-owned venues was subject to established procedures designed to ensure proper use, maintenance and public order. He maintained that any political party or organisation that met the requirements should not face discrimination or unfair restrictions. The governor also urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly. He called on relevant authorities to handle applications for public facilities professionally and impartially. The statement added that the Oyo State Government remained committed to promoting political tolerance, protecting democratic freedoms and ensuring that legitimate political activities could take place in accordance with the law.

Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Gbenga Daniel, Amosun, Oluwo, Other Dignitaries Arrive Mapo Hall for Ladoja’s Coronation

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.