Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, will cut short his annual leave to be a part of the installation of former governor Rasidi Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland tomorrow (Friday).
The State House of Assembly has alao endorsed the early resumption of the governor to participate in the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
At its plenary on Thursday, September 25, 2025, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi, on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Assembly formally received and approved the governor’s resumption notice.
Also, to ensure smooth flow of traffic and avoid chaos on roads in Ibadan, the State capital, the government has issued a travel advisory diverting vehicular movement on designated areas.
Governor Makinde, who had initially scheduled his annual leave to run from August 29 to September 29, 2025, explained in his letter that the historic and culturally significant coronation of the new Olubadan necessitated his early return.
“I shall resume duty tomorrow, 26th September 2025, and I, hereby, assume the full functions of the office of governor of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the state’s Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, for holding forth as acting governor in his absence, noting that Lawal would now return to his substantive position.
Members of the House welcomed the governor’s decision unanimously, adopting the resumption notice.
They commended Makinde for his commitment to Oyo’s cultural heritage and praised his leadership in ensuring he would personally oversee the momentous coronation ceremony.
The Assembly also used the occasion to reaffirm its support for traditional institutions and lauded the Executive’s proactive steps to guarantee a smooth coronation process in Ibadanland.
… Govt Issues Travel Advisory
Meanwhile, the State government issued a travel advisory to road users on routes to take or avoid ahead of the coronation ceremony.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, today, the Security and Traffic Management Team of the ceremony issued the advisory, warning motorists and road users who typically travel through Idi-arere inward to Mapo, as well as Beere roundabout toward Mapo, to use alternative routes, such as Oranyan, Alekuso, Agbeni, Labiran, Agbongbon, and Kudeti to avoid congestion.
Olanrewaju said the team maintained that the diversion would be in effect from today until the conclusion of the coronation tomorrow.
Executive Chairman of the State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA), Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), who released the advisory on behalf of the team, equally announced that parking arrangements had been made for invited dignitaries and guests.
According to him, invited guests could park their vehicles at Ibadan North Local Government Car Park, opposite Government House, Agodi; Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado and the Open Field behind Yemetu Police Division.
He further noted that transit buses would be provided to convey dignitaries and guests to and from the venue, adding that parking of vehicles will not be permitted on the roads from the Gate Bus-Stop enroute to Oje, Beere, and from Oja’ba down to Molete under the bridge.
“It must be noted that non-essential travel through the restricted routes should be avoided during this period. The diversion will commence from Beere roundabout and Idi-Arere junction to facilitate smooth access for officials and attendees.
“Due to the high profile of the event and anticipated influx of guests and spectators, vehicle movement inward from Beere toward Mapo and Iyana-Brown inward Mapo will be restricted to prevent traffic gridlock.
“Traffic management personnel and security agencies will be deployed along the alternative routes to ensure smooth flow and safety.
“Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, utilise the designated alternative routes, and cooperate with traffic personnel to minimise congestion and support the success of this coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” the OYRTMA Chairman said.
He assured the public that the alternative routes are safe and effective, emphasising that strict enforcement would be in place and that any motorist who disobeys the travel advisory, risks vehicle impoundment and prosecution at the traffic tribunal.
“The Oyo State government is committed to ensuring the event’s success, and the traffic advisory is part of the broader effort to facilitate a seamless and secure celebration of the Olubadan’s coronation. Motorists’ cooperation is urged to help make the occasion a memorable and safe cultural milestone,” he added.