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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.

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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.”

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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.

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“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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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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14 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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18 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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