Olubadan: Tinubu to grace coronation, advance team in Ibadan

An advance team from the Presidency on Wednesday arrived in Ibadan ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected attendance at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The team’s aircraft touched down at exactly 9:14 a.m. today at the newly upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, signalling the first official operation since the facility was shut down in March for expansion to international standards.

The arrival heightened expectations that the President himself will fly into the Oyo State capital on Friday, September 26, to honour the incoming Olubadan at his coronation.

The successful landing is seen as a litmus test for the airport’s readiness to handle high-profile flights, with observers noting that the presidential operation has set a benchmark for future arrivals and departures.

Governor Seyi Makinde had in September 2024 performed the groundbreaking for the upgrade, promising that the project would connect Oyo State directly to the global market.

“The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travellers, positioning the state for economic growth and development,” the governor had said.

The Makinde administration has already upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge, installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, and provided a fire truck to boost safety operations.