An aircraft belonging to the presidential fleet touched down at Ibadan Airport at 9:14 a.m. on Thursday, ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected visit to the city for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025.
The successful landing drew excitement from onlookers at the airport and underscored the facility’s readiness to handle high-profile flights. This was the first presidential-related landing at the airport since March 2025, marking a significant step in renewed flight operations.
The development comes nearly a year after Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, flagged off a major upgrade of the airport in September 2024. At the groundbreaking, Makinde said the project would enhance air travel, connect Oyo State to global markets, and strengthen its transportation network for both business and leisure.
As part of the modernization effort, the state government upgraded the VIP lounge, acquired a new fire truck, and installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
Officials say the upgrades are positioning the airport to play a greater role in the state’s economic growth while also meeting the demands of events such as the high-profile coronation of the new Olubadan.
