Like a man who has seen the future, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has silenced critics with the ongoing massive road rehabilitation and construction within Ibadan metropolis and other parts of the state. Over the past six years, Governor Makinde has transformed Oyo State through infrastructure development and improved road connectivity. Recently, the Governor also laid the foundation for a new international terminal at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan. This upgrade, which will be completed in two phases, includes runway improvements, lighting upgrades, and fire service enhancements. Under the Governor’s leadership, the airport is projected within some months to offer international flights, connecting residents of Oyo and neighboring states to destinations worldwide.
The state-of-the-art terminal, once completed, will accommodate up to one million passengers annually, a significant increase from the current capacity of 100,000. This will not only improve passenger flow but also enhance the airport’s cargo handling capacity, establishing Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a leading facility in Nigeria. But for Oba Ladoja’s coronation, as part of preparations, the Oyo State Government had to reopen the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan. The Presidential fleet was the first to land at the upgraded airport, marking a key milestone before the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land. Because without the airport upgrade, the Presidential fleet might have had to land in Lagos, adding an extra layer of inconvenience for President Tinubu and other guests, who would then have had to travel longer distances by road to reach Ibadan. Governor Makinde’s initiative to upgrade the airport has clearly paid off, making the journey smoother and more efficient for dignitaries within and outside Nigeria.
Just as the airport’s reopening was crucial for logistics for the coronation, the road infrastructure, including the inner roads across the state particularly the ones linked to Mapo Hall, the state’s ability to host such a significant event would have been compromised. Don’t you think Governor Makinde’s efforts warrant commendation? Oh, he truly deserve a *Golden Buzzer* for his exceptional leadership and infrastructure development in Oyo State. His efforts have showcased the state’s potential and highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure and cultural heritage.
Without Governor Seyi Makinde’s developmental strides, particularly the airport upgrade and road construction, the coronation ceremony of Oba Rashidi Ladoja would likely have been severely impacted. The state’s ability to host top-notch personalities, including President Bola Tinubu, would have been compromised.
Again, Makinde’s efforts deserve commendation for making the event momentous and historic, and it’s unlikely that APC leaders would dispute this, given the high attendance of their members at the event, including their 2023 Governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, Minister of Power, Adelabu Penkelemes, FIRS Boss, Zacheus Adedeji, and a host of others from other states who graced the occasion.
It is an open truth that the city of Ibadan was abuzz with excitement on Friday till the next day. Major roads, including Iwo Road, Mokola, Ring-Road, Bodija, Yemetu, Challenge and others, were adorned with billboards featuring Ladoja’s photographs and congratulatory messages from corporate organizations, groups, and individuals. The atmosphere was electric, with convoy processions, traffic management and security presence deployed across the metropolis to ensure law and order.
Also, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, in acting capacity, conducted an on-the-spot inspection of the Mapo Hall a day to the event to ensure everything was in place for the ceremony. The excitement was palpable, and it would be an understatement to say that people were not really excited with the coronation – the atmosphere was electric!
The seamless tour of President Tinubu and his entourage through these roads was a testament to the governor’s vision and planning. Given the success of the event, it’s clear that Makinde’s initiatives, including the airport upgrade to international standard deserve commendation. The upgrade has now positioned Ibadan as a hub for international events. The global coverage of the event, including by BBC and other international news outlets, is a testament to Makinde’s visionary leadership and the impact of his initiatives.
Like no other coronation in the history of Ibadanland, the city experienced an unprecedented coronation, hosting the grand finale of activities celebrating Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the Olubadan throne. The event concluded a week-long celebration that included a cultural day, coronation lecture, praise and worship, and the monarch’s 81st birthday, celebrated at Liberty Stadium.
The excitement was palpable on the newly tarred road to Mapo Hall, where the final coronation rites occurred. Traditional performers in adire ìró and bùbá headed to the venue, eager to entertain the distinguished guests. Before 7:45am, royal family members arrived, with princesses in elegant aso-oke outfits. Before the ceremony, a statue of Oba Ladoja was unveiled, symbolizing his legacy and the new chapter.
Traditional music, including Ebenezer Obey’s “Ibadan,” filled the air, celebrating unity and pride before Taye Currency entertained the gathering. The arrival of the president and Governor Makinde, who presented the staff of office, was met with cheers. Christian and Muslim clerics led prayers before cultural performers returned with praise, poetry and dance.
The Mapo Hall was electrified as Oba Rashidi Ladoja, resplendent in his majestic attire, made his grand entrance after visiting traditional worshipers. Clad in spotless white, adorned with coral beads, and crowned with his distinctive white fringe crown, the freshly minted Olubadan commanded attention. The crowd erupted in applause as he stepped off his new Rolls Royce, a gift from Chief Kola Karim. With regal poise, Oba Ladoja greeted the audience as he took his seat, drawing admiration from all. The monarch’s regal presence commanded reverence, and many surged forward to pay homage, prostrating themselves in respect. The Olubadan’s family, including his Oloris, who matched his style, and their children and grandchildren, all showed their support and pride.
The Ladoja family members were stylishly dressed in matching brown and purple attire, with one of the king’s grandsons sporting shoes with the bold inscription “Omo Oba,” meaning child of a king. The atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration as the family captured special moments with the new monarch.
The ceremony’s energy soared as performers eulogized the new Olubadan, before comedian Obama injected humor with satirical takes on notable figures like K1 and Obesere. The highlight of the event began officially with President Bola Tinubu’s grand entrance, accompanied by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke. A black carpet was rolled out, and amidst tight security and paparazzi, President Tinubu appeared in a stylish brown traditional attire, paired with his signature cap, cheerfully waving to the crowd as he entered the hall.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the people of Ibadan and their new monarch, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in his goodwill message. He also assured citizens of the nation’s economic recovery and growth. While the President might not have publicly commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration directly during the event, Nigerians on social media widely praised the Governor’s leadership, particularly his approach to addressing the Ibadan traditional institution system and maintaining harmonization – a feat that set him apart from his predecessors.
During his remarks, Governor Seyi Makinde declared that the Olubadan traditional system and succession process are sacrosanct and must be upheld. After presenting the staff and instruments of office to Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Governor expressed optimism that the challenges associated with the Olubadan Chieftaincy System are now a thing of the past. He prayed that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring peace, progress, and development to the city.
He said: “In front of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is here with us to celebrate the coronation and presentation of staff of office, I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Subsections 1 and 2 of section 20 of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1, laws of Oyo State, Nigeria 2000, and by virtue of all other powers enabling in that behalf, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.”
Governor Makinde congratulated all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, noting that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments.
According to him, history was made on Friday when the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, in the first wide-bodied aircraft to ever land in the facility.
Governor Makinde pointed out that the ascension of the new Olubadan was met with excitement by residents of the city, stating that this was an indication that the people want the Olubadan tradition to be upheld.
He said: “I congratulate all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in the Diaspora. The excitement everywhere in this city today shows that we must uphold our tradition. I want to say that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institutions are now over and behind us.
“What this means is that the tradition, the succession and process are now sacrosanct. We know everything about that succession. “Today, history was literally made. The president landed at the Ibadan Airport with the first wide-bodied aircraft ever to land in Ibadan Airport. This shows that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments. So, I want to congratulate Kabiyesi and to say that his reign shall be peaceful, bring progress and development to Ibadanland.”
The grand reception at Liberty Stadium was also a spectacle of glamour, with guests showcasing their stylish outfits. However, the success of the event can be attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde’s infrastructure development initiatives, particularly the improvement of inner roads, just as the Governor has also extended the gesture to Ogbomoso and other areas in the state.
Without these efforts, the occasion might not have been so grand, and attracting guests from across the country and beyond might have been challenging. It’s likely that President Bola Tinubu was also impressed with the new look of Oyo State, especially Ibadan, which has undergone significant transformation. The Governor’s achievements in Oyo State have been notable, and some Nigerians have cited his records as a potential model for national development.
The atmosphere at the coronation ceremony was electric, with attendees radiating joy and unity. The vibrant colors, matching caps, and scarves created a stunning visual display, while the regal purple traditional attire added to the spectacle. I can only imagine the pride and happiness on Oba Ladoja’s face throughout the program, surrounded by such a large and enthusiastic crowd.
The memory of meeting Oba Ladoja still resonates vividly. In 2019, he had taken notice of my writings and requested to meet me through Mogaji Adanla. During our meeting at his Bodija residence, he praised my writing skills and Arabic understanding, praying that I would achieve greatness. At the time, I felt honored to meet a distinguished former governor. I prayed for my own success, and it seems that my prayers were answered through the support of Governor Seyi Makinde and his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, to whom I will forever be grateful with their appointment.
Oba Ladoja’s prayer that day revealed his impact and the reason behind the love and admiration people have for him. His kindness, support for others, and good character have earned him widespread respect. So, the grand coronation ceremony, attended by people from across the country and abroad, was a testament to his influence.
In all, the event’s success also highlighted Governor Seyi Makinde’s effective leadership and vision, particularly in infrastructure development. The seamless visit of President Tinubu and his entourage underscored the governor’s planning prowess. Indeed, his initiatives, including the airport upgrade, deserve commendation. Yes, he truly deserve a golden buzzer!
Oyedeji Ahmed (LMP),
SA Public Affairs
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