Olubadan Coronation: Oyo Police Deploy Heavy Security Measures
Security Planning Behind the Scenes
In the weeks leading up to the coronation, the Oyo State Police Command locked arms with the army, the State Security Service and local law‑enforcement units. Spokesperson Adewale Osifeso explained that the joint task force mapped every major thoroughfare, identified potential choke‑points and set up temporary command posts around the city. Their goal was simple: create a visible, confidence‑building presence that would deter any threat before it could materialise.
Patrol cars roamed the streets of Ibadan at irregular intervals, a tactic meant to keep crowds guessing and potential disruptors on edge. Meanwhile, surveillance vans equipped with night‑vision cameras monitored traffic flow around Mapo Hall, the historic venue chosen for the ceremony. Intelligence officers sifted through tips, social‑media chatter and community reports, launching stop‑and‑search operations wherever they sensed risk.
Special teams were assigned to the main ingress routes – the A5 highway, the Ibadan‑Lekki expressway and the local market roads – as well as to the narrow lanes that feed directly into the hall’s parking area. Each checkpoint was staffed with officers trained to conduct swift, respectful searches while keeping the queue moving to avoid bottlenecks.
What Happened on Coronation Day
When the day arrived, the security net was unmistakable. Uniformed officers stood guard at every gate, while unmarked vehicles lingered at strategic corners, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. The heavy presence was not just for show; it allowed the police to react instantly to the influx of VIPs – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, several ministers and a host of state governors.
Inside Mapo Hall, the atmosphere was electric but orderly. The police coordinated closely with event organizers to manage crowd flow, using handheld radios and a real‑time tracking system. Any suspicious activity was flagged within seconds, and the response teams moved in quietly, keeping the ceremony’s dignified tone intact.
Observers noted that the meticulous planning paid off. No incidents were reported, and the coronation proceeded without a hitch. The Olubadan coronation thus became a showcase of how traditional ceremonies can coexist with modern security protocols, sending a reassuring message to citizens that public safety remains a top priority even during grand celebrations.