The Mogajis in Ibadanland, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Monarchs, Baales, the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), and other prominent sons and daughters of the ancient city have cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against taking Ibadan for granted.
The stakeholders stressed that the people of Ibadan would not accept any action capable of diminishing the status of the Olubadan stool or the Ibadan traditional system.
The position followed concerns that arose over a sitting arrangement involving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and a representative of the Alaafin of Oyo at a recent security meeting held in Ibadan.
In a statement signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative, Mogaji Dr Nurudeen Akinade, the stakeholders maintained that Ibadanland should not be regarded as subordinate to Oyo or any other town in Yorubaland.
The statement noted that Ibadan has consistently upheld its dignity and standing within Yoruba tradition and would continue to do so.
The group called on leaders across Yorubaland to engage the Alaafin of Oyo on the matter, adding that the peaceful disposition of the people of Ibadan should not be misinterpreted.
They also stated that the issue surrounding the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had been settled and should not be reopened.
The stakeholders further highlighted the background of Olubadan as a former senator, governor, and accomplished businessman, stressing that the stool should continue to be accorded due respect.
“Ibadan will never be a slave to anyone. Ibadanland has always maintained its dignity in Yoruba tradition, and this will not change.”
The statement highlighted Olubadan’s distinguished background as a former Senator, Governor, and successful businessman, emphasizing that he will not be subjected to any form of ridicule.
“Ibadan mesi, won o go” (Ibadan has spoken, we won’t go back), the statement concluded, indicating the resolve of the people of Ibadan to defend their dignity and tradition.
“Ibadanland deserves respect, and any attempt to undermine its traditional institutions will be met with resistance. The people of Ibadan are united in their determination to protect their heritage.”
The coronation Jumat Thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, drew dignitaries, including members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis, senators, and politicians.
The event, held on Friday at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, formed part of the weeklong activities marking the coronation of Oba Ladoja, who was presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde last week at Mapo Hall.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes to support the monarch for a successful reign, cautioning against distractions that could hinder the city’s progress.
He praised Oba Ladoja as a respected leader whose pedigree and antecedents command recognition within and outside Ibadanland, stressing that leadership begins at the family level and requires accountability.
Highlights of the event included special prayers for Olubadan’s reign and the presentation of a gift to him.
Among the dignitaries present were CCII President General, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Senator Fatai Buhari; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; ex-lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Osun SSG, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade.
The President General of the apex socio cultural organisations in Ibadan, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, has said the decision to celebrate the ancient city of Ibadan is to among others facilitate unity and togetherness among the indigenes and residents of the city.
He added, the celebration which started as a day event but has not turned to a week-long festival provides opportunities to showcase the culture and institutions of Ibadanland.
He spoke while addressing reporters on the series of activities mapped out to celebrate the festival.
Flanked by the Chairman, 2025, Ibadan Festival Commite, Chief Abiola Alli among other top officials of the Council, the PG said the festival will also promote unity among the over 240 affiliate clubs while also exposing youths to the beauty of the culture of the land.
Noting that the CCII was formed in 1980 to protect and safeguard the interest of Ibadanland and its indigenes, the PG recounted that the idea of celebrating Ibadan started some 37years ago and has grown from Ibadan day to Ibadan week and now Ibadan festival.
He said activities had been lined up from May 8 to 17 to commemorate the occasion.
According to him: “Why Ibadan Festival? One, to showcase the culture of Ibadan. Two, to showcase the institutions of Ibadanland, because the most fundamental thing CCII of holds at hand is the institution of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Thirdly, Ibadan Festival’s aim is to give more unity among the affiliated clubs. Another reason for it is to develop our youths in various ways. And that is why we have game competitions among people in Ibadanland. We have ayo olopon, table tennis, football competitions, beauty pageant, quiz competition.
“There are football competitions. There’s also what we call the talent hunt to get the best out of Ibana sons and daughters. We also have the Oreke, which basically was to get an Ibana girl that is not only very beautiful but very brilliant, intelligent.
“Then, like I said earlier, to showcase our culture, and that is why we used to have every year state play. At this stage play, our aim is promoting our past heroes. Ibadan is a city that was formed by warriors, and therefore we like to showcase each of them every year.
“It also gives opportunity to Ibadans in diaspora to come home, to see by themselves the development and growth of Ibadan, and to also increase the economic growth of Ibadanland, because when we have this annual festival, a lot of economic activities, buying and selling, creation of artifacts and things like that happens and it contributes to economic growth of the land.”
Giving details of the activities lined up for the celebration, the Chairman, Ibadan Festival 2025 Committee, Chief Abiodun Alli, said the Council had earlier paid a royal homage on the Olubadan to seek his royal blessing for the festival.
He said other activities include: Jumat Service, medical outreach/ distribution of palliatives to pre-registered members of the affiliate clubs (Friday, May 9th), Amala Day (Saturday May 10th), Church Thanksgiving service (Sunday May 11th) Education and Talent hunt programme (Monday) Youth conference, stage play, beauty pageant, Business Dinner, Ibadan conference and March past which will be the grand finale on Saturday May 17th.
Chief Alli explained that while the Business dinner while bring together Chief Executive Officers and top business mogulsl to rub minds with owners and operators of Small and Medium Scale Entrepresis, to open their eyes to business and investment opportunities in the city, he noted that the Ibadan Conference will focus on land matters and encouraging the people to stop outright sales of land.
He said, “The business dinner for this year is strictly a business dinner because we have invited top CEOs in various organizations, both within Ibadan and outside Ibadan. The chairman of the event is Chief Mrs. Samson, the Managing Director of BOVAS. And of course, the keynote speaker on that day is Dr. Habib Olamitoye, the owner of Ibadan Central Hospital and Academy Suite Hotels.
“They will be sharing insights into their success stories and help mentor young business owners and interest to do better.
“On Friday, we are going to come back here for Ibadan conference. And our focus on Friday is on land. Land is our own good in Ibadan land. We are going to focus on land. We want a situation where we discourage people from selling the same land to two, three people. That is going to come up here.
“And of course, we also encourage our people to lease their land rather than sell their land to outsiders. And we have invited all the stakeholders in this area to this place. The managers, the Baales, the judges, the police, all the people that are involved, the buyers of land, the sellers of land, our own son in Ibadan land.
“We are going to have a keynote speech on that particular day and Barrister Musbau Adetumbi, SAN will give the keynote speech on Friday. And on Saturday, that will be the grand finale where all of us go to the Liberty Stadium. And there will be three events that will happen that day. One is the parade of the clubs. And we are going to pick the first, the second, and the third. And of course, we have several musicians. They are actually the brand ambassadors for this year’s festival.
“All of them are going to entertain us on that day. And apart from that, they have also produced a single for Ibadan. And that single will be launched on Saturday.”
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has congratulated the newly promoted Ibadan-born Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army, W. A. Adegoke, on his promotion.
CCII described Adegoke’s achievement as a source of immense pride to the people of Ibadanland, particularly his community, Agbo Ile Afosunwon, Isale Osi, and Aba Ajanla in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A statement by CCII President-General, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, stated that Adegoke’s recognition, dedication, excellence, and commitment to duty reflect the high standards and values he upholds as an exemplary ambassador of Ibadanland.
He said, “The CCII celebrates this milestone with you and your family, praying for more successes and greater heights in your career.
“May your leadership continue to inspire generations of Ibadan indigenes to pursue greatness and serve humanity with integrity. Congratulations, Brig. Gen. W. A. Adegoke.”
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has conferred ‘Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland’ (MOFI) award on an ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, Chief Benedict Akika.
The award ceremony was part of activities for the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week organised by CCII.
Speaking after receiving the award, Akika, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State expressed excitement over the award, saying it was borne out of his service to humanity.
He said despite not been an Ibadan indigene, CCII counted him worthy for the award considering his contributions towards the peace, progress and development of Ibadan land.
He however promised to continue giving back to the society and alleviating suffering of the masses.
Oyo Speaker Debo Ogundoyin lauded tremendous contributions of the awardee to the development of Ibadan metropolis and people of Ibadan.
He urged well meaning Nigerians to emulate Akika, saying if people can do that, Ibadan, Oyo and Nigeria at large will be better off.
The CCII President-General, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole said CCII intentionally decided to honor outstanding Ibadan indigenes who have made significant contributions to the development of the city.
He stated the award was aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of Ibadan sons and daughters who have excelled in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and entertainment.
He emphasied that the awards are part of CCII’s efforts to promote Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage and inspire young people to strive for excellence.
Other awardees are Alhaja Kudirat Owoola, Engr. Maj. Rasak Salau, Prof. Isiaka Kolawole, Pham. Yekini Adeniran, Prof. Remi Raji, Prof. Musa Aibinu and Mogaji Ishola Olorode among others.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigienes (CCII) has felicitated with Ilaji FC and it’s Chairman, Engr. Chief Dotun Sanusi (the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland) over recent victory of the football club as winner of Oyo State FA Cup.
CCII also adopted Ilaji FC as it’s Ibadan Club, promising to give necessary support to the club whenever the needs arises
Recalled that the club, led by Chairman and Chief Executive of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, Chief Dotun Sanusi, emerged victorious in the Oyo State FA Cup after defeating Oluyole Warriors – Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in a thrilling match.
The victory in the Oyo State FA Cup means that both Ilaji F.C. and Shooting Stars will represent the state in the National Federation Cup later this year.
Speaking while hosting the club at Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, during the General Assembly of CCII which comprises of almost 300 clubs drawn across the world, the CCII President-General, Barr. Chief Niyi Ajewole stated that CCII has adopted Ilaji FC as its own club, assuring the club of moral and financial support of CCII.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has been described as a monarch with good leadership virtues.
The President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Yemi Soladoye, spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at a forum to mark the 90th birthday anniversary of the monarch.
The CCII president, who said Ibadan indigenes were happy to celebrate with the monarch, prayed God to grant him good health, long life and prosperity.
Soladoye said: “He never cursed, threatened or exhibited anger at anybody in the past one year. Oba Adetunji can only be described as his own person, a man of Spartan discipline.
“The CCII knows that while the kabiyesi is not against reforms, considering the peculiar situation of Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement, he has identified three areas to be addressed.”
According to him, some areas of authorisation – jurisdiction and code of conduct – must be looked into for any review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Law to succeed.
Soladoye said: “CCII will look into this and come up with an all-embracing and sustainable blueprint that will give a no-victor-nor-vanquished position within the next three months.”
NAN reports that the event, which featured a prayer session, was attended by various Ibadan groups as well as traditional chiefs.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has revealed its two top agenda for the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The council president, Chief Wole Akinwande, who spoke to The Nation in Ibadan, listed completion of the N4 billion Olubadan palace complex and creation of Ibadan state as the council’s two topmost priorities.
Akinwande added that CCII wanted new things to happen during Oba Adetunji’s reign.
He said: “Our topmost priority is that the Olubadan moves to the new palace quickly and the creation of Ibadan state.
“We want new things to happen during his reign and it will be so by God’s grace.”
Oba Adetunji had called for the creation of Ibadan state in his speech after his installation as the 41st Olubadan.
He directed the request to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
CCII is the umbrella body of over 250 associations and groups of Ibadan indigenes.
The N4billion palace complex was launched by the CCII about five years ago.
Its first phase is almost ready for use.
The project is aimed at stopping Olubadans from using their residences as palaces, due to the absence of a befitting central palace.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has called for peace in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following the violence in some parts of the city.
The council, a non-partisan umbrella organisation of Ibadan social clubs, urged warring groups to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign.
It enjoined members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party (AP) and others to exercise restraint ahead of the 2015 general elections.
A statement, entitled: Call for Peace in Oyo State, by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Ogunsina, appealed to security agencies to prosecute anyone who wants to turn Ibadan into a battle ground.
A don, Prof. Wale Oyemakinde, has urged Ibadan indigenes to sustain what he described as ‘the great legacy of excellence’ of the ancient city’s founding fathers.
He spoke while delivering a lecture titled:” Sustaining Excellence” at the Annual Ibadan Festival 2014 Conference organised by Jericho Business Club (JBC), in collaboration with Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). It was held at the Civic Centre, Ibadan.
According to the Professor of Economics History, “excellence is our portion in Ibadan. We inherited it and it has prospered in our hands. Its sustenance is our mandate, which we must not fail.
“The founders of Ibadan were no mean men. They were formidable personalities who overcame unfolding challenges as they established themselves firmly in the land and took charge of their affairs as circumstances demanded.
“In governing themselves, they designed, over time, a rancour and acrimony-free royal succession scheme that facilitated smooth transition from regime to regime.
