The Olubadan Stadium turned into a festival ground on Tuesday as thousands gathered for the Cultural Day celebration in honour of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The Cultural Day, which marks the second day of a weeklong series of activities leading to Friday’s coronation, drew traditional rulers, chiefs, artisans, cultural groups, and residents from across the city.
The atmosphere was filled with talking drums, masquerades, dancers, and colourful displays, as Ibadan celebrated both its past and its future.
Speaking at the event, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chairman of the 44th Coronation Committee and former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), said the celebration was designed to highlight Ibadan’s cultural pride and communal spirit.
“It is Ibadan’s story we are telling today,” Oyero said.
“The Cultural Day is not just about dancing and drumming; it is about showing our children and the world that Ibadan is a city of resilience, courage, and innovation. Kabiyesi Ladoja represents all these values, and today, we honour him and our city together.”
He noted that the coincidence of the celebration with Oba Ladoja’s birthday added special significance, and urged residents to come out en masse for other activities lined up in the week.
“Today is cultural, tomorrow is intellectual, and by Friday, we crown our king. I call on all Ibadan sons and daughters to be part of history,” Oyero added.
CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, described Oba Ladoja as a monarch with the capacity to lead Ibadan into a new era.
“Olubadan is not only a custodian of culture but also a statesman of national importance,” Ajewole said.
“He has shared his dream with us, to make Ibadan an Eduardo, a city of excellence comparable to global capitals. We believe his reign will open a new dawn for our people.”
Also speaking, Chief Adegboye Adegoke, the co-chairman of the Special Planning Committee said the Cultural Day was only the opening chapter of a rich programme.
“What we are witnessing today is the heartbeat of Ibadan in dance and music,” Adegoke said.
“But beyond this, tomorrow we will engage with ideas at the coronation lecture by Professor Toyin Falola, and by Friday, the whole world will see Ibadan again at the Mapo coronation ground.”
This publication understands that the coronation lecture holds Wednesday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, while the grand coronation will take place on Friday, September 26, at Mapo Hall, with dignitaries from across Nigeria expected in attendance.
