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Tag: Olubadan

  • Olubadan seeks constitutional role for traditional rulers, appreciates Lagos’ support during coronation

    Olubadan seeks constitutional role for traditional rulers, appreciates Lagos’ support during coronation

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has renewed calls for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country, saying such recognition would strengthen governance and foster closer collaboration between monarchs and government authorities.

    Oba Ladoja made the call during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Lagos House, Marina.

    The monarch said that there was no dispute between the traditional institution and the Oyo State Government, but stressed that assigning constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers would enhance their contributions to governance and community development.

    He said he was in Lagos to appreciate the governor and key stakeholders in the state for their support during his coronation, describing Lagos as a place deeply connected to his personal and traditional heritage.

    Oba Ladoja recalled how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honoured his invitation to attend his coronation ceremony, describing the gesture as a demonstration of unity among Yoruba leaders.

    “I called Mr. President and informed him that I was fixing my coronation for September 26 and asked if he would attend. He said he would come, and indeed, he came. All members of the Governance Advisory Council were also present, which showed they recognised me as a Lagosian,” he said.

    The Olubadan noted that his ties with Lagos extend beyond traditional affiliations, revealing that his late wife was from Lagos and most of his children were born and raised in the state.

    He also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the state’s infrastructural development, describing Lagos as a model for progress and urban growth.

    Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Ibadan as an epitome and rallying point of the Yoruba race, while thanking the Olubadan for the visit and his leadership role in promoting peace and unity in Oyo State and beyond.

    Read Also: Ibadan will collaborate CRIN to establish cocoa plantation, says Olubadan

    Sanwo-Olu prayed for a peaceful and impactful reign for the monarch, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring development and transformation to Ibadanland and Nigeria.

    “Our prayer is that your reign will not only be long but will also bring transformational development to Ibadanland and Nigeria as a whole. God will grant you strength, wisdom, and good health to rule well,” the governor said.

    He reaffirmed the historical and cultural ties between Lagos and Ibadan, assuring the monarch of Lagos State’s continued support and collaboration.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, we thank you for coming to acknowledge and appreciate us. Lagos will continue to stand with you and your kingdom,” he said.

  • Ibadan will collaborate CRIN to establish cocoa plantation, says Olubadan

    Ibadan will collaborate CRIN to establish cocoa plantation, says Olubadan

    In his determination to ensure the economic development and investment promotion in Ibadanland, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja has assured the management of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) that he will make acres of land available and source for the needed logistics to ensure the smooth take off of a Cocoa plantation in the ancient city.

    He gave the assurance in a remark while playing host to the management team of CRIN whom he invited to deliberate in the possibility of establishing modern cocoa plantation that can stand the test of time through the modern agricultural technologies and techniques.

    The monarch said the ancient city must take advantage of its vast land and closeness to Cocoa experts in the city to creat an ecomomy in the interest of the residents.

    Ladoja said, “I invited the management team of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) to deliberate on how cocoa plantation can be established in Ibadan.

    Read Also: Tinubu knows how to fix Nigeria, says Olubadan

    “I am well pleased to receive you and your management staff in my palace and wish to express my gratitude for honouring my invitation.

    “I invited you and the experts in your institute to deliberate on how we can establish modern cocoa plantation that can stand the test of time through modern agricultural technologies and techniques.

    “We are lucky to be in the forest region where cocoa plantation can thrive considering our favourable climatic condition, many agricultural experts surrounding us particularly Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria 

    “On our part, we will make acres of land readily available and source for the needed logistics to ensure the smooth take off of the project to it’s successful completion.”

    Speaking earlier, the Acting Executive Director of CRIN, Dr Adedeji Rasheed thanked the Olubadan and his Council members for the opportunity given the Institute to play it’s role in agricultural development of Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.

    He noted that the agricultural plans of Olubadan of Ibadanland will be successfully implemented as desired.

    Dr Adedeji Abiodun requested for necessary logistics such as expanse of land, farm imputes and other necessary resources for the project implementation.

  • Tinubu knows how to fix Nigeria, says Olubadan

    Tinubu knows how to fix Nigeria, says Olubadan

    • ‘President’s Lagos record shows he understands governance’

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying anyone familiar with the President’s political journey would understand that he knows what he is doing.

    Oba Ladoja spoke with journalists on Friday after paying a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, noting that the President’s track record as former governor of Lagos State offers insight into his current approach to national governance.

    “If you know where he is coming from, you’ll know that he knows what he’s doing. That is what is most important. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it, so I am sure that what he is doing now is in the right direction,” the Olubadan said.

    The traditional ruler explained that his visit was partly to thank the President for making time to attend his coronation in Ibadan in September last year, adding that he took advantage of his presence in Abuja for the Daily Trust Dialogue to convey the happiness of his people with ongoing developments in the country.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    Oba Ladoja acknowledged the complexity of governing Nigeria compared to a single state, pointing out that differing expectations and perspectives across the federation make leadership more challenging.

    Nevertheless, he observed that states now have more financial capacity than during his own time in public office and are better positioned to meet their obligations.

    “By and large, the economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, expressing hope that by the time President Tinubu completes his tenure in 2031, Nigeria would be a country all citizens can be proud of.

    On areas requiring greater attention, the Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in food security, healthcare, and, most critically, security.

    He lamented that insecurity has made it difficult for farmers to access their farms and is increasingly affecting the southern parts of the country.

    Despite these concerns, Oba Ladoja said he believes the challenges are not insurmountable, adding that the President is addressing them in the right way.

  • If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    …says President’s Lagos record shows he understands governance

    …urges more action on food security, healthcare, insecurity

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying anyone familiar with the President’s political journey would understand that he knows what he is doing.

    Oba Ladoja spoke with journalists on Friday after paying a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, noting that the President’s track record as former governor of Lagos State offers insight into his current approach to national governance.

    “If you know where he is coming from, you’ll know that he knows what he’s doing. That is what is most important. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it, so I am sure that what he is doing now is in the right direction”, the Olubadan said.

    The traditional ruler explained that his visit was partly to thank the President for making time to attend his coronation in Ibadan in September last year, adding that he took advantage of his presence in Abuja for the Daily Trust Dialogue to convey the happiness of his people with ongoing developments in the country.

    Oba Ladoja acknowledged the complexity of governing Nigeria compared to a single state, pointing out that differing expectations and perspectives across the federation make leadership more challenging.

    Nevertheless, he observed that states now have more financial capacity than during his own time in public office and are better positioned to meet their obligations.

    “By and large, the economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, expressing hope that by the time President Tinubu completes his tenure in 2031, Nigeria would be a country all citizens can be proud of.

    On areas requiring greater attention, Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in food security, healthcare, and, most critically, security.

    He lamented that insecurity has made it difficult for farmers to access their farms and is increasingly affecting the southern parts of the country.

    Despite these concerns, Oba Ladoja said he believes the challenges are not insurmountable, adding that the President is addressing them in the right way.

  • We will support Olubadan as Oyo Obas council chairman, Olugbon assures Makinde

    We will support Olubadan as Oyo Obas council chairman, Olugbon assures Makinde

    …says empires have given way to new global power structures

    The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has assured Governor Seyi Makinde that members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs will give enough support to the new chairman, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

    The monarch gave the assurance while hosting the governor in his palace at Orile-Igbon over the weekend.

    Some other traditional rulers in Surulere Local Government joined the Olugbon to welcome Makinde to the palace.

    Oba Alao, who thanked the governor for the visit, assured that he and other members of the council of obas were behind Makinde, assuring that Oba Ladoja would enjoy the support of members of the council across the five zones in the state.

    The zones are Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa.

    The monarch, who is the deputy chairman of the Obas council, said, “Your Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, we appreciate you for coming here. And I would like to take this opportunity to explain that the government has done what is needed by the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. We are in support of the decision.

    “Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has now been re-inaugurated. And we have a new chairman in the person of His Excellency Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan.

    “I want to assure Your Excellency that we are all one in the council. We are united across the five zones – Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Oyo, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa. People can say things, but we are members of one united family.”

    Responding, the governor said, “I came here over what happened in Oloka. I have visited there, and I assured them that their government will not fail them. The people own this government. I am also assuring the people of Surulere Local Government and everyone in Ogbomoso Zone that development projects will spread across all five local governments in Ogbomoso Zone. I only ask for your cooperation.”

    The traditional rulers that joined the Olugbon were the Aresapa of Iresa pupa, Oba Moses Ajiboye; Aranyin of Iranyin, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke; Olujado of Ijado, Oba Hammed Adegbile, and Iba Abogunde Tajudeen Aminullahi.

    Speaking briefly with reporters after the meeting, Olugbon stressed the need for the traditional system to embrace contemporary reality, saying empires have given way to new power structures globally.

    He said, “The world is not static but dynamic in nature. In the past centuries, there were the Roman, French, and British empires, which ruled the world. But looking at today’s world order, the United States, Russia, and emerging China are the leading powerful nations.

    The system we are operating in Nigeria is not a monarchy. I implore all traditional rulers across the state to cooperate with the government of the day.

    “There is no perfection in the decisions of the government. We just need a deeper understanding of our collective will in entrenching good governance, promoting economic development, security, and peaceful coexistence in our dear state. Modernity has restructured the governance system in Nigeria.”

    The Nation reports that Makinde re-inaugurated the council of Obas last week, Thursday, with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Ladoja, as its chairman. He will serve a tenure of two years.

    Before Thursday’s inauguration, the council had been held down by litigation for 15 years.

  • Alaafin absent as Makinde inaugurates Olubadan as chairman, council of Obas, chiefs

    Alaafin absent as Makinde inaugurates Olubadan as chairman, council of Obas, chiefs

    Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    Olubadan will chair the council for the next two years before it is rotated to another Oba.

    The Nation reports that the Council last met in 2011.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, was absent at the event.

    Read Also: Tradition, not rivalry shaped Alaafin’s conduct, says Agunbiade

    Over 40 monarchs from across the state were at the event, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Recall that after years of tussle, the House approved the rotation of the chairmanship of the Council between the Alaafin, Olubadan, and Soun of Ogbomoso

  • Alaafin, Olubadan supremacy rift deepens

    Alaafin, Olubadan supremacy rift deepens

    The rift between two foremost monarchs in Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, may have deepened.

    Indication of the rift emerged yesterday when the Olubadan ignored the Alaafin, as the latter made an attempt to greet and welcome the former to the 2026 Inter-faith service held for civil servants at the state secretariat.

    The Olubadan had arrived shortly after the governor got to the venue and went ahead to exchange pleasantries with the governor, after which he went to other monarchs at the event, who all stood up to welcome and acknowledge him.

    However, tension rose when the Olubadan ignored the outstretched hand of the Alaafin, but proceeded with others, before going to calmly take his seat, leaving the Alaafin visibly stranded.

    The dramatic snub caused murmurs among the audience and has since ignited widespread outrage across the state and beyond.

    While the event lasted, tension could be felt in the air, particularly around where the monarchs were seated.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    Opinions were divided about the incident.

    While some observers see it as disrespectful for the Alaafin to be seated and extending his hand to greet an ‘elderly’ Olubadan, others are of the views that the stool of Alaafin is more supreme to that of the Olubadan and that the current Olubadan must respect the stool, irrespective of the age of the current occupant.

    Sources claimed the rift bordered on supremacy tussle between the two monarchs.

    The public display of the acrimony was first noticed on December 15, 2025 during the unveiling of the Oyo@50 logo, an event organised by the state government at the same venue.

    On that day, the Alaafin was represented by one of his chiefs. However, upon arrival of the Olubadan to the event, a little argument ensued, as he was ushered to sit on his reserved seat, beside the Alaafin.

    The Olubadan displayed open annoyance at what he called disregard, noting that he would not sit beside the representative of the Alaafin on a seat which was placed before his, despite not being physically present.

    The matter, which generated a lot of tension, saw many top government functionaries and politicians pushing to pacify the Olubadan.

    By the time the dust would settle, the Olubadan’s chair was not only changed as requested, he was also relocated to a place before the seat of the Alaafin.

    The situation has made observers question the propriety of the initial effort of the governor at facilitating peace and harmony between the monarchs.

    The Nation reports that Governor Seyi Makinde on December 22, 2025 had a brief closed door meeting with the Alaafin and the Olubadan.

    The meeting was held shortly after the governor signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill at an event at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The meeting, which was observed to be unscheduled, was held at the Coffee Room, opposite photo gallery stage of the Exco Chamber.

    Details of the meeting remained unclear at press time.

    It was observed that shortly after the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the governor and the dignitaries who attended the event were on the way to take group photographs at the photo gallery stand when the governor invited both the Alaafin and Olubadan into the coffee room.

    The budget signing event was attended by traditional rulers, political office holders, lawmakers, the judiciary among other relevant stakeholders

    The meeting lasted barely 15 minutes, as other dignitaries waited patiently at the photo gallery awaiting the arrival of the governor and the monarchs.

    However, observers believed the meeting could be based on the need for unity and togetherness between the two first-class monarchs.

    Prior to the meeting, the social media has been awash with reports of acrimony and class tussle between the two foremost monarchs over perceived superiority tag.

    The incident has triggered intense public debate, with critics questioning the Alaafin’s judgment and propriety, given the longstanding hierarchy, custom and sensitivities surrounding Yoruba traditional ‘rulership’.

    Observers said yesterday’s episode has reopened old wounds and revived concerns over an alleged rift among traditional rulers in Oyo State, raising fears about the unity and stability of the revered institution.

  • Ibadan traditional stakeholders warn Alaafin of Oyo over disrespect to Olubadan

    Ibadan traditional stakeholders warn Alaafin of Oyo over disrespect to Olubadan

    • …say Alaafin’s stretching of hand to greet Ladoja insulting

    Ibadan traditional leaders, including monarchs, Mogajis, Baales, and prominent indigenes, have cautioned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, against disrespecting the Olubadan stool and the Ibadan traditional institution.

    The warning followed an incident at Agodi Government House, Ibadan, where Oba Owoade reportedly extended his hand to greet Oba Adewolu Ladoja while the Olubadan was seated—a gesture the stakeholders described as a serious insult to both Oba Ladoja and the Ibadan traditional establishment.

    In a statement, President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Dr. Nurudeen Akinade, condemned the act as “an embarrassment of the highest order.”

    They noted that the Olubadan’s response was appropriate and served as a warning, stressing that any further affronts from Oba Owoade would be met with stronger reactions from Ibadan’s traditional authorities, including Kabiyesis, Chiefs, Mogajis, and Baales.

    The stakeholders highlighted Oba Ladoja’s seniority, achievements, leadership record, and contributions to Ibadan’s socio-political and business landscape, emphasising that his stature surpasses that of Oba Owoade.

    They reaffirmed their readiness to act decisively against any actions that could undermine the dignity of the Ibadan traditional institution.

    According to the statement, “Alaafin’s disrespect to the Olubadan stool and traditional institution is getting out of hand. If Governor Seyi Makinde doesn’t caution him, and Ibadan people (Including Mogajis, Baales, Chiefs, etc.) were pushed to revolt against his insulting action against Olubadan, the Oyo monarch will hate himself.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Makinde, Olubadan to attend 60th remembrance of S.L. Akintola

    “We have on record a series of his uncultured attitude towards Ibadan traditional stools, this has to stop as Ibadanland will not tolerate his further aggrandizement.

    “Ibadan people are not cowards or lazy; we are fearless, we are just suppressing and calming the nerves of our people.

    “Ibadan people cherish their culture and traditions and hold them in high esteem; anything that is capable of ridiculing the culture and traditions of Ibadan will be rejected by the people of Ibadan land.

    “Alaafin cannot come to our territory, while sitting down and stretching his hand to shake our highly revered 82-year old Olubadan.

    “Oba Ladoja was a former Senator, a former Governor, an international figure, and a successful businessman.

    “Alaafin may choose not to greet Oba Ladoja, but stretching hands while on the seat to greet Olubadan is an insult to the entire Ibadan traditional institution.”

    “Ibadanland has never once been a subordinate to Alaafin, Ibadan mesi o go.”

  • Olubadan intervenes in Onido stool crisis

    Olubadan intervenes in Onido stool crisis

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has intervened in the Onido stool crisis where three persons are reportedly claiming authority over Ido township traditional leadership.

    The monarch, who implored the parties concerned to maintain peace, said a panel to investigate the causes of the 19-year old crisis would be inaugurated on Monday at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

    A statement by Adeola Oloko, media aide to Oba Ladoja, did not, however, disclose the names and composition of the panel members.

    It only hinted that the committee would start sitting immediately after inauguration.

    Part of the panel’s mandate is to look into the remote and immediate causes of the Onido stool crisis.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    The second mandate is to make recommendations that will guide Olubadan and his council in resolving the 19-year old crisis. Two days ago, stakeholders of Ido town in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State raised fresh concerns over the Onido of Ido dispute.

    According to them, ‘’Ido has been in a delicate situation since 1997 because we have three persons claiming to be Onido, while the town has witnessed multiple appointments and counter-appointments, which have deepened division.”

    The three persons are: Oba Benjamin Ademola, Ishola Orobiyi, Tajudeen Akinola and Muritala Babalola.

    The stakeholders appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, to intervene.

  • Makinde meets Alaafin, Olubadan

    Makinde meets Alaafin, Olubadan

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday held a brief closed door meeting with Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

    The meeting took place after the governor signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Details of the meeting remained unclear at press time.

    It was observed that shortly after the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, the governor and the dignitaries who attended the event were on the way to take group photographs at the photo gallery stand, when the governor invited Alaafin and Olubadan into the coffee room.

    Read Also: APC confirms Plateau Gov Mutfwang’s defection from PDP

    The budget signing was attended by traditional rulers, political office holders, lawmakers, the judiciary, among other stakeholders. The meeting lasted barely 15 minutes.

    However, observers believed the meeting could be based on the need for unity between the two first-class monarchs.

    The social media was recently awash with reports of acrimony and class tussle between the two foremost traditional rulers over perceived superiority tag.