Oyo Government to Deploy 2,000 Security Operatives for Coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as 44th Olubadan

The Oyo State government has announced the deployment of 2,000 security operatives to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, made this known during a media briefing in Ibadan, stressing that the government was working closely with security agencies, traditional authorities and the coronation planning committee to guarantee a safe and well-coordinated ceremony. The security operatives, drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and other supporting outfits, will be deployed across major routes and event centres in Ibadan. Their duties will cover traffic management, crowd control, surveillance and the protection of dignitaries and residents expected to participate in the historic event. Ojo explained that the state anticipates a large turnout of people, including traditional rulers, political leaders and cultural stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria, and noted that government had taken proactive measures to forestall any security breach. The coronation of Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is scheduled to hold on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. The programme will feature traditional rites, cultural displays, interfaith prayers and civic receptions, with thousands of residents and visitors expected to attend. Chief Bayo Oyero, Chairman of the Coronation Committee, commended the partnership between the state government and the Olubadan-in-Council, describing Ibadan’s succession system as a model of stability and unity. He said the forthcoming coronation would serve not only as a traditional rite but also as a celebration of Ibadan’s cultural heritage. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has been lauded for its support in financing and facilitating logistics for the event. Authorities have assured residents that traffic diversions, medical emergency points and crowd-control arrangements have been mapped out to ease movement and ensure safety throughout the celebrations. Security sources also disclosed that both uniformed and plain-clothes personnel would be stationed at strategic points, while residents and visitors were urged to comply with security instructions and use designated access routes during the period of the coronation. Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the throne follows his long and distinguished journey through the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy. His installation as the 44th Olubadan is expected to attract national and international attention, reinforcing the prestige of the Olubadan stool as one of the most revered traditional institutions in Yoruba land.