From Royals to Retail: Traders cash in on Ladoja’s big day

In spite of vehicular and human restrictions to Mapo Hall, venue of the installation of Rasidi Ladoja as 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, hundreds of vendors beat security to display their wares around the vicinity of the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that petty traders as early as 6.30a.m. arrived the venue to beat security agents to display their goods.

Some petty traders invested in printing pictures of new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on T-shirts, key holders, calendar, wrist bands, and large frames so as to make quick profits from teaming crowd that wished to be identified with the celebration.

Also food vendors, snacks and soft drinks sellers who secure spots close to the venue, were seen making brisk sales at the the carnival like atmosphere of Mapo hall.

A food vendor, Mrs Idiat Adeyemo, said that she had been cooking continuously since early hours of the day due to demand for different kinds of food by people.

A soft drink vendor, Miss Grace Emmanuel, said that she increased the price of her drinks a little above normal price because she sourced ice blocks to make the drinks cold for customers.

“I need to add extra cost of ice block so as to make a little profit, “she said

Another group of people who made quick money at the event were traditional drummers, who stood guard outside singing praises of dignitaries entering the venue for some token.

NAN reports that Ladoja, who turned 81 on Thursday, emerged as Olubadan from the civil line of the Chieftaincy line.

Before his nomination to the throne, he was the Otun Olubadan and ascended to the Olubadan position after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.

(NAN)