Oyo Police Unveil Security Plans For Olubadan Coronation

The Oyo State Police Command has outlined security measures ahead of the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, scheduled to hold on Friday at Mapo Hall.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said in a statement on Thursday that the event, described as a significant cultural and historical occasion, is expected to attract dignitaries and participants from within and outside Nigeria.

He explained that the Command, working with other security agencies, has drawn up strategies to ensure safety, including confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations, and heightened surveillance across the state.

According to Osifeso, special attention will be given to major entry and exit routes into Oyo State, as well as strategic locations such as parks, train stations, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan.

The police spokesperson also confirmed that some roads around the Mapo Hall axis would be closed to traffic from 7:00 a.m. on Friday, in line with directives issued by the Oyo State Government’s coronation committee. The restricted routes include Beere Junction towards Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction towards Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction towards Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction towards Mapo Hall.

Osifeso urged residents to plan their movements accordingly and make use of alternative routes to avoid inconveniences.

He further warned against any form of public disorder, including unauthorized processions or disruptive activities during the ceremony.

Reassuring the public of safety, the Command encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements or incidents to the nearest police station or via emergency hotlines.