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Oba Ladoja coronation rites begin with prayers

Published

4 months ago

September 23, 2025

The Balogun of Ibadan-designate, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, on Monday, gave an insight into how former governor of Oyo State and the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, would be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland without any rancour, unlike his predecessor.

His revelation comes as activities leading to the coronation of Oba Ladoja began with interdenominational prayers at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state, on Monday.

At the event were the Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Azeez, Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande and other dignitaries.

Oba Ladoja will receive the staff of office and instrument of office on Friday, September 26, at an elaborate ceremony scheduled for Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries from across the country, led by President Bola Tinubu.

His crowning followed the transition of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Speaking exclusively on the process that led to Ladoja’s emergence with The PUNCH in Ibadan, Oba Ajibola said the circumstances that surrounded Ladoja’s emergence were different from those of Olakulehin.

The PUNCH reported that Ajibola, who was then the Otun Balogun at the time of Oba Olakulehin’s emergence, had insisted that the late monarch should be given more time to be fit for the throne.

He based his reason on the fact that after the passage of Oba Lekan Balogun, the next-in-line, Oba Olakulehin, was not seen, nor was his whereabouts confirmed to ascertain the state of his health to mount the throne.

Ajibola described the Olubadan stool as a unique one, adding that Ladoja’s emergence was a settled matter.

“You see, the other time, during the emergence of Oba Olakulehin, what happened was just by coincidence. It was not that we disagreed. What we were saying was that it was too early, because Lekan Balogun had just been buried; he had not even gone properly. That’s why we had differences.

“And the position I was in then was a similar position our present Imperial Majesty was in at the time. When there was a difference, I was the one who went to Mapo to clear it, to say that the man (Olakulehin) was hearty and nothing was wrong with him. The issue came to pass, and we moved on.

“Then, nobody heard about him or from him. None of us could reach him for a long time.

“However, in this circumstance, immediately Oba Olakulehin joined his ancestors, Oba Ladoja communicated with us. He phoned me all the time, we talked, and we all knew the next person.

“So, there is no problem at all. No dispute. It’s destined, and the throne has been created by God,” he said.

Oba Ajibola also noted that what would have been another obstacle was the issue of the crown, adding that Oba Ladoja had sorted that out a long time ago, as he agreed to take the crown.

“So why would we continue to fight ourselves? We know it’s his turn, and after him, we know the next person, and the next, and the next.

“So, we thank God that He has made Ibadan peaceful. We will continue to celebrate.

“No complaints. Everybody is happy with the type of man coming to become Olubadan,” he said.

The Balogun-designate, who is at the apex of the Balogun ruling line chieftaincy, lauded the political experience of Ladoja, adding that Ibadan would be great with his leadership.

“If he can combine his political experience with traditional leadership and join hands with the people, Ibadan will be great.

“I’m very happy, Ibadan people are very happy, and the whole world is happy that the throne has clear lines and is well prepared.

“I celebrate and congratulate our Imperial Majesty, Oba Ladoja. So, no problem,” he stated.

Oba Ajibola further stated that Ladoja’s emergence was destined by God to happen.

“What I’m trying to say is that there is a foundation for everything. Everything is possible before God. What God has destined to happen, it will definitely happen,” he said.

Speaking on the uniqueness of Olubadan stool, Oba Ajibola said “You know Ibadan is a very big city, it is like a country, a kingdom on its own, we are very lucky that we don’t have dispute, we don’t have to look for Ifa oracle to know who is next, because there are only two lines to become the Olubadan. There used to be three lines, but there are two now, which are the Otun line and the Balogun line.

“The line that has just passed was Balogun’s line, so it’s Otun’s line now. That’s very clear.”

Speaking at the interdenominational prayers for the coronation on Monday, the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole, posited that the reign of Oba Ladoja would bring peace and development to the ancient city.

He said, “It has never happened in the history of Ibadanland for a former senator and governor to become the Olubadan.”

In his sermon, a former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Sunday Makinde, admonished Oba Ladoja to allow peaceful co-existence among the three religions in Ibadanland.

He also urged the Olubadan-In-Council, monarchs, Baales, and Mogajis in Ibadanland to join hands with him towards the progress and development of the ancient city.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, prayed for Ibadan to witness unprecedented peace and development during Ladoja’s reign.

Highlights of the event include rendition of Iyere Ifa by the traditionalists, reading of Psalms by the Christians and reading of the Quran by the Muslim faithful.

Other dignitaries at the event were the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Joshua Akinyemiju; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Daud Makanjuola; the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Taliat Ayilara; representatives of other religious bodies, among others.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea