The Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan reopened on Wednesday, receiving its first aircraft since its closure in March 2025 for upgrades to international standards.
In a statement posted on its X page, the Oyo State Government confirmed that the presidential advance team’s flight landed at 9:14 a.m., marking a major milestone in the airport’s modernisation.
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The successful landing demonstrated that the facility is now fully equipped to handle high-profile flights and confirmed its readiness for the arrival of President Bola Tinubu on Friday, 26 September 2025.
Tinubu is scheduled to attend the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The upgrade project, launched in September 2024 with a groundbreaking ceremony, was initiated by Governor Seyi Makinde.
At the time, Makinde stated that the development would “connect the state to the global market” and enhance air travel for both business and leisure.
The Makinde administration has also introduced significant improvements at the airport, including a new VIP lounge, a fire truck, and a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
The successful reopening is seen as a positive sign for the airport’s future operations and its role in driving Oyo State’s economic growth.
Ahead of the coronation of the former governor, the state government announced traffic diversions in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the organising committee, the affected routes will be closed from 7:00 am.
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They include Beere Junction inward Mapo Hall, Born Photo Junction inward Oja’ba, Idi-Arere Junction inward Oja’ba, and Itamerin Junction inward Mapo Hall.
These measures are part of the traffic diversion plan to ensure a smooth ceremony.
