Makinde cuts short his vacation to attend coronation
As the ancient city of Ibadan prepares to witness a historic cultural milestone, the Oyo State Police Command has issued a strong advisory to residents and visitors, warning against any form of public disorder during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The highly anticipated coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place today, September 26, 2025, at the iconic Mapo Hall, a site deeply woven into the traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.
MEANWHILE, Governor Seyi Makinde has cut short his vacation to attend the coronation. The state’s House of Assembly, yesterday, said it had formally received and approved the notice of early resumption from leave submitted to it by Makinde.
In a statement, yesterday, by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adewale Osifeso, the Command said that security measures had been put in place to ensure a safe and peaceful event, which is expected to attract dignitaries across Nigeria and beyond.
“As part of traffic and crowd control efforts, certain major routes around Mapo Hall will be closed from 7:00 a.m. on the day of the event. The affected areas include Beere Junction to Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction to Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction to Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction to Mapo Hall.
“Commuters and residents are urged to plan alternative routes in advance to avoid disruptions,” the statement stated. Also, the Police Command has issued a stern warning against any unauthorised processions, protests, or unruly gatherings before, during, or after the ceremony, adding: “The Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against individuals or groups attempting to breach public peace.
“Citizens are urged to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies, report suspicious activity promptly, and support efforts to maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the celebration.”
RELATEDLY, Oyo State Government has announced traffic diversions and alternative routes for motorists ahead of the coronation. The security and traffic management team for the event, in a statement, yesterday, urged motorists plying Idi-Arere inward Mapo and Beere Roundabout toward Mapo to seek alternative routes, such as Oranyan, Alekuso, Agbeni, Labiran, Agbongbon, and Kudeti.
Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA), Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), who signed the advisory on behalf of the team, said that parking spaces had been designated for invited dignitaries and guests at Ibadan North Local Government Car Park, opposite Government House, Agodi; Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado; and the open field behind the Yemetu Police Division.
Adekoya noted that shuttle buses would be provided to convey dignitaries to and from the venue, stressing that parking would not be allowed along major roads leading to Mapo, including Gate Bus-Stop through Oje and Beere, as well as Oja’ba down to Molete Under Bridge.
MEANWHILE, Governor Seyi Makinde has cut short his vacation to attend the coronation. The state’s House of Assembly, yesterday, said it had formally received and approved the notice of early resumption from leave submitted to it by Makinde.
The House, during its plenary, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi, read and acknowledged the governor’s resumption letter.
Makinde had in his resumption letter stated: “I shall resume duty tomorrow, September 26, 2025, and hereby assume the full functions of the office of Governor of Oyo State.”
The governor, who expressed appreciation to his deputy, Bayo Lawal, for serving as acting governor during his absence, said that the deputy governor would now return to his substantive role.
