The ancient city of Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, is brimming with excitement ahead of the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.

The week-long programme, which coincided with Ladoja’s 81st birthday on Thursday, will climax with the presentation of the Staff of Office at the historic Mapo Hall by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Ladoja, a businessman, former senator and ex-governor of Oyo State, ascended the throne after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, barely two days after his 90th birthday.

The Olubadan-designate rose through the traditional chieftaincy hierarchy before his nomination as the next custodian of Ibadan’s heritage.

Across the metropolis, major roads such as Iwo Road, Mokola, Ring Road, Challenge, Sango, Eleyele, Molete, Apata, Akala Road, Akobo and Bashorun have been decorated with giant billboards carrying Ladoja’s portraits and congratulatory messages from individuals, groups and corporate organisations.

Convoys of siren-blaring vehicles conveying dignitaries to hotels have become a regular sight, while officers of the State Road Traffic Management Authority were stationed at key junctions to ease traffic.

Personnel of the police and other security agencies have also been deployed strategically across the city to maintain law and order.

The newly reopened Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, upgraded to international standards, is expected to welcome President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent guests on Friday.

The Organising Committee, led by Chief Bayo Oyero, former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), confirmed that all markets in Ibadan would be closed to honour the new monarch.

The Oyo State Police Command also announced the closure of adjoining roads to Mapo Hall to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during the coronation.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes as security agencies stepped up control measures ahead of the historic event.