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Oyo gears up for historic Olubadan coronation event

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Ahead of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Friday, September 26, 2025, the Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to host the historic event.

Also, security in the town had been strengthened ahead of the expected arrival of President Bola Tinubu and other important dignitaries.

On Wednesday, the advance team of the President arrived in Ibadan from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in preparation for the event.

A senior security personnel, who did not want his name in print, told The PUNCH in Ibadan, “We are not here to play. We want decorum.

“If you are not invited, why can’t you look for somewhere else to enjoy the programme through available television or radio stations.

“Even if you are my friend or friends, stay clear of Mapo if you don’t have anything to do there.”

Ahead of his installation, Oba Ladoja, on Tuesday night, began traditional rites and remained in seclusion.

He will mark his 81st birthday today in seclusion, though activities were lined up across the town to celebrate the monarch.

Ladoja, who would receive both the staff of office and instrument of office on Friday, September 26, succeeds Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Mapo wears new look

The venue of the coronation, the historic Mapo Hall, started wearing a new look on Wednesday, as painting and cleaning up of the environment were ongoing.

The venue is the ceremonial coronation venue for Ibadan monarchs through the ages.

Successive Olubadans in history have been presented with the staff of office amid pomps at the Mapo Hall, after their crowning and traditional rites at the Oluwo palace in Oja’ba.

A visit to the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ring Road, revealed ongoing preparations to receive and entertain important guests.

The venue is now fully set to host dignitaries arriving in Ibadan to celebrate the new monarch.

Ibadan airport opens

The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, which was shut down for an upgrade to international standards in March 2025, reopened for two weeks in honour of the new Olubadan.

The remodelled airport received its first aircraft at 9:14 am on Wednesday, when the presidential advance team arrived for the Olubadan coronation..

A statement by the Oyo State Government, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the successful landing underscored the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.

With the presidential flight scheduled to follow soon, the inaugural flight set a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures at the remodelled airport.

Hotels fully booked

Hotels across Ibadan witnessed a surge in patronage on Wednesday, as visitors trooped into the city ahead of Friday’s historic coronation.

Many facilities around the venue of the event, particularly in Ring Road, Mokola, Sango, Secretariat, Ikolaba, and Bodija, were fully booked, with guests arriving from within and outside the state.

The influx of dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, and tourists has turned the city into a beehive of activity.

Falola urges balance between tradition, modernity

Renowned Ibadan-born historian, Prof Toyin Falola, on Wednesday, urged Ibadan leaders to carefully balance their cherished traditions with the pressing demands of modern development.

He gave the advice in his coronation lecture delivered ahead of the coronation.

The lecture, titled “Ibadan in History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,” was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The programme was part of a week-long activity preceding the main coronation ceremony on Friday.

In his presentation, Falola highlighted Ibadan’s central role in Nigeria and Africa’s history.

He said, “Ibadan has always been a cultural epicentre. In the 19th century, it was the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa and a hub for politics, trade, and military power. It was also the center of palm oil production, exported to Europe.”

Falola said Ibadan’s traditions remained visible in everyday life.

“The past is still with us in the amala we eat, the language we speak, the clothes we wear, and our performances. These remind us that Ibadan is not only a city of history but also a city of the future,” he said.

On the significance of Ladoja ascending the throne, the historian stressed that Ibadan would benefit greatly from the monarch’s political and administrative experience.

“Having a former governor and senator as Olubadan is significant. His exposure as a politician, statesman, and administrator will guide Ibadan toward modernisation.

“The city must tackle issues like garbage collection, street cleaning, tree planting, and environmental upliftment. These are part of the responsibilities of modern leadership,” Falola said.

He further argued that kingship in Ibadan had never been static but had always adapted to new realities.

“The Olubadan, out of necessity, must balance tradition with the evolving demands of democracy, globalisation, and urban expansion,” he said.

Instead of monetary contributions, Falola revealed that his gift to the Olubadan would be intellectual.

“Today, I will not donate money to the series of events. Not that I do not have the money to give. Instead, I will give him a book to read. Just one book, spanning over 400 pages. I wrote it for this momentous occasion,” he said.

He emphasised that Ibadan should not only be seen as a historical city but also as an active contributor to African and global thought.

“The coronation is not a casual ceremony. It is part of how Ibadan negotiates authority, legitimacy, and the preservation of its culture in an ever-evolving world.

“This book connects the throne and the classroom, the palace and the archive.

“This publication understands that the book, ‘Ibadan in History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,’ weaves together themes of politics, culture, literature, and urban development.

“It draws on Prof Falola’s decades-long scholarship, including earlier works such as ‘The Political Economy of a Pre-Colonial African State.’ ‘Ibadan, 1830–1900’ (1984) and Ibadan: Foundation, Growth and Change, 1830–1960 (2012).”

The historian also highlighted Ibadan’s intellectual and cultural powerhouses, including the University of Ibadan and generations of artists, writers, and scholars who have shaped Yoruba and African identities.

He, therefore, called for reflection on how Ibadan can embrace modernity without abandoning its heritage.

“This book ensures that Ibadan is remembered not just as a city of the past but as one of the future.

“It honours both a city and its monarch and situates Oba Rashidi Ladoja as a modern leader who must balance tradition with democracy, globalisation, and urban expansion,” he said.

Obasanjo warns Ladoja against political conflicts

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has congratulated Oba Ladoja on his formal ascension to the throne of Olubadan.

He also advised the new monarch to separate tradition and politics, noting that the new position requires humility and tolerance, among others.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media,  Kehinde Akinyemi, made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Obasanjo, in Yoruba royalty salutation, prays “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.”

The former president, who, according to the statement, is presently in New York, United States, for the 80th United Nations General Assembly session, said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance of the formal announcement. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.”

He added, “It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed.

“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guide, and direction of Almighty God.”

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Late Actress Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola a.k.a Ireti

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October 26, 2025

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Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola a.k.a Ireti | was One of Nigerian Actress That Should Not Be Forgotten In The HISTORY Of Nollywood Film Industry. One of generation of actors who made home videos popular in the 1990s

Aunty Ireti was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where she also grew up. Aunty Ireti was a producer, film writer, director and an outstanding actress. Unknown to many, her younger relative, Opeyemi Adekola(Not Odunlade)is also an actor and was inspired to take to the thespian art because of his latè aunty. While speaking with Naijarchives, Mr. Opeyemi Ohiomare Adekola explained that the làte Ireti and his own dad were cousins. Mr. Adekola also revealed to us that while both Odunlade Adekola and their family are both from Oyo State, they hail from different parts: Ireti’s own are from Ogbomosho while Odunlade Adekola is from Otun Ekiti. I guess that lays to rest the popular rum0ur that Odunlade Adekola is Ireti’s younger brother. While an actress, the late Ireti was known for starring in many fl|cks alongside Taiwo Hassan aka Ogogo

Following her d£ath, there was a sp0ntaneous outpouring of grief across the nation. On the 30th September, 2002, her body in a glistening white c0ffin was on display for her last public appearance at the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos before her ßurial. Ireti mentored many actress in her lifetime, grooming them to become stars in their own right, one of whom is Bisi-Ibidapo Obe aka Omo Logba Logba. Ireti was also the role model for Ibironke Ojo aka Ronke Oshodi-Oke.

HOW DID SHE GET THE NAME ‘IRETI’?

In 1993, Jide Kosoko released a movie titled Asiri Nla and in it, she acted the role of Ireti, and that was how the name stuck.

HER D£ATH

Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola di£d after a brief illn£ss due to some c0mplications susp£cted to be from typh0id f£ver. She gave up the gh0st at Unity Hospital, a private medical center in Surulere, Lagos State
This writeup(Caption) is from Ayeni Abayomi page

In October 2012, ten years after she di£d, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) decided to launch the Ireti Adekola Foundation (IAF) at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos to imm0rtalize her name. The foundation was established to take care of single mothers and mentor upcoming and talented actors and actresses.

In the 1990s before the likes of Jenifa and the rest, Nigerian actress, Rebecca Adebimpe Adekola graced the screen of millions across the nation, especially lovers of Yoruba movies. Popularly known as Ireti, she dazzled many with her acting skills until her d£ath on Friday, 27th September, 2002.

Some of the movie She got starred in includes👇

-IKE OWO
-AGBA AKIN
-OLAONIRAN
-23/24 LORO ILE AYE
-AYE AWA OBINRIN (the last movie she appeared in before her d£mise)

Rest well Legend

You’re a screen g0ddess and one of the few most s0ught after relatively younger actresses who made Nollywood attractive in the late 1990s. You are part of the generation of actors who made home videos popular in the 1990s.

©️Ayeni Abayomi

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Toyin Adegbola: The Enduring Star of Yoruba Cinema

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14 hours ago

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October 26, 2025

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From “Asewo to Re Mecca” to cultural icon – the remarkable journey of one of Nollywood’s most beloved actresses

Early Life and Family Background

Toyin Adegbola was born on December 28, 1961, in Osun State, Nigeria. She hails from a family with deep creative roots, being the cousin of the legendary actor and filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love) and his children — among them Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Moji Afolayan, all prominent figures in Nigerian cinema.

Growing up in southwestern Nigeria, Toyin’s early exposure to Yoruba culture and storytelling inspired her passion for performance. Before venturing into acting, she worked briefly as a television broadcaster and teacher, experiences that shaped her confidence and communication skills.

Rise to Stardom

Toyin Adegbola began her acting career in 1984, marking her debut in the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood. She gained national fame after starring in the classic Yoruba film Asewo to Re Mecca (translated as The Prostitute Who Went to Mecca), which earned her the enduring nickname “Toyin Asewo to Re Mecca.”

The film, released during a period when Yoruba cinema was expanding rapidly, portrayed themes of repentance, morality, and redemption, resonating deeply with audiences across Nigeria. Her ability to bring authenticity and emotional depth to complex characters quickly made her one of the most recognisable faces in the industry.

Over the years, she has featured in hundreds of Yoruba films, spanning genres from traditional folklore to contemporary drama. Some of her notable works include:

Deadly Affair (1995)

Irapada (2006)

Arojinle (2018)

Arinola, Alaanu Mi, and Temidire

Through these roles, Toyin Adegbola established herself as a versatile actress, capable of interpreting both comedic and deeply emotional characters.

Beyond Acting: Producer, Director, and Cultural Ambassador

In addition to her acting career, Toyin Adegbola has worked as a producer and director, contributing to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema and mentoring younger filmmakers. Her deep understanding of cultural nuances allows her to bring authenticity to her productions, preserving Yoruba values and traditions through storytelling.

In 2016, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Amuludun of Osogboland by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II. The title, meaning “Mother of Entertainment”, recognised her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry and her role in promoting Yoruba culture globally.

Legacy and Influence

Toyin Adegbola’s influence extends far beyond the screen. She represents a generation of Nigerian actresses who helped shape the identity of Yoruba cinema before the digital boom of Nollywood. Her continued presence in film and television demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to artistic excellence.

She has also served in various capacities within industry associations, advocating for the welfare of actors and supporting emerging talents. In interviews, she has often spoken about the importance of discipline, humility, and cultural pride for those aspiring to build lasting careers in the entertainment sector.

Personal Life

Toyin Adegbola is a mother and grandmother, often described as warm and deeply spiritual. She balances her creative pursuits with community involvement and philanthropic activities, particularly in Osun State. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she remains one of the most respected figures in Nigerian entertainment.

References

Vanguard Nigeria. (2016). Toyin Adegbola Bags Chieftaincy Title in Osogbo.

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Patricia Olubunmi Etteh: Nigeria’s First Female Speaker of the House of Representatives

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14 hours ago

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October 26, 2025

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A trailblazer in Nigerian politics and the first woman to lead the country’s House of Representatives

Patricia Olubunmi Etteh remains one of the most notable figures in Nigeria’s democratic history, recognised as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Her appointment in June 2007 marked a significant moment for women’s representation in Nigerian politics — a symbolic breakthrough that inspired many across the nation.

Born on August 17, 1953, in Ikire, Osun State, Patricia Etteh trained and worked as a beauty therapist before venturing into politics. She attended the University of Abuja, where she earned a Law degree, demonstrating her commitment to self-development and governance.

Etteh began her political journey as a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, representing Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal Constituency of Osun State. Her charisma, grassroots appeal, and advocacy for women’s inclusion in leadership quickly made her a respected voice in the legislature.

In June 2007, she made history when she was elected Speaker of the 6th House of Representatives, becoming the first and only woman to occupy that position in Nigeria’s history. Her emergence was seen as a victory for gender equality and a testament to her political influence within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

However, her tenure was short-lived. In October 2007, Etteh faced allegations of financial misconduct related to the renovation of her official residence and the purchase of vehicles for the National Assembly. Though she denied any wrongdoing and maintained that all processes were duly approved, public and political pressure led to her resignation after just five months in office.

Despite the controversy, Patricia Etteh’s impact on Nigerian politics cannot be dismissed. Her rise to the position of Speaker shattered long-standing gender barriers, paving the way for more women to aspire to top political offices. Over the years, she has remained active in political and social advocacy, supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment and participation in governance.

Etteh’s story is not merely one of power and controversy — it is a narrative of courage, ambition, and the pursuit of equality in a male-dominated political landscape. As a Yoruba woman from Osun State, her achievement continues to resonate as a source of pride in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Her portrait — often used in educational and historical references — serves as a reminder of the progress made and the journey yet to come for Nigerian women in politics.

References:

National Assembly of Nigeria archives

Daily Trust historical profiles (2007)

Premium Times Nigeria political retrospectives

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