Tag: Olubadan

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured that the cureent religious tolerance and freedom of worship in the ancient city will be upheld and sustained.

He said he will ensure a situation where all religious adherents are allowed to practice their religions without fear of molestation, intimidation and persecution as in the days of the fore fathers

He gave the assurance when the worshippers of Egungun Eleriko paid him a courtesy visit at Olubadan palace Oke Aremo, Ibadan on Monday, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga.

The monarch said, “I welcome you to Olubadan Palace like other religious practitioners as a father of all religions.

“I need your prayers for the success of my reign, to sustain me, promote peaceful eaceful co – existence, rapid economic recovery and security of life and property in Ibadanland.”

Earlier in her speech, the leader of Eleriko masquerade Iyalode Atiba said it had been their practice from the time immemorial to pray and support any Olubadan on the throne 

She promised to give Oba Ladoja all the necessary support, adding that the reign of the paramount ruler would witness unprecedented peace, religious harmony, protection of the residents and economic prosperity in Ibadanland 

Present at the program were Aseyin of Iseyin Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, masquerade leaders and followers.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that his jurisdiction does not extend beyond the 11 local government councils of Oyo State and the about four million people residing there, as clearly stipulated in the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

Oba Ladoja stated this on Sunday while speaking at a coronation luncheon organised by the Ibadan Foundation to celebrate his ascension to the throne at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan.

The first-class monarch said he had enormous responsibilities within his domain and would not be distracted by issues outside his jurisdiction.

Addressing an audience of Ibadan leaders and dignitaries, including Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, and members of the Iyalode group, the Olubadan said he had a clear vision for managing the challenges facing Ibadan.

He recalled that during protests over the Circular Road project, aggrieved residents approached him first, adding that he promptly briefed Governor Seyi Makinde on the issue.

“We are confronted with land-grabbing challenges, which is why we set up an anti-land-grabbing committee. We are awaiting their report. However, I want to hint that land reform is already underway,” he said.

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Oba Ladoja noted that the palace had effective channels for addressing security breaches within Ibadanland and had constituted the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee to recommend ways of reviving moribund industries in the city.

“We want these industries to reopen for business so they can generate employment opportunities for our able-bodied youths,” he said.

He added that Ibadan inherited legacies of bravery, nobility, and hard work from its forefathers, stressing that such heritage should inspire progress rather than resignation to fate.

The monarch also recalled that when the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engr Dotun Sanusi, many traditional rulers from Ibadan and across Oyo State attended in solidarity.

According to him, it was also an occasion during which one of Ibadan’s illustrious daughters, Chief Mrs Latinwo, was installed as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said it is easier to serve as a governor than to function as a traditional ruler.

The monarch, who is also a former Governor of Oyo State, made the remark on Monday while receiving the Oniru of Iru, Lagos State, Oba Wasiu Lawal, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.

Oba Ladoja explained that government officials have coercive powers and clearly defined structures for funding, unlike monarchs who operate without such advantages. 

He added that the absence of a constitutional role for traditional rulers makes their responsibilities even more demanding despite their closeness to the grassroots.

He noted that the expectations of the people concerning the Olubadan stool are “very high,” given its wide jurisdiction, saying this requires thinking “outside the box” to meet the needs of the populace.

Olubadan also fondly recalled his years in Lagos, particularly on Lagos Island, describing them as memorable.

Earlier in the visit, the Oniru praised the virtues of the Olubadan and reflected on the unique challenges faced by former public office holders who later assume traditional roles.

Among those who joined the Olubadan to welcome the Oniru were Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli, former Senate Leader, Agbaakin Olubadan, Chief Teslim Folarin, and several chiefs and aides accompanying the Lagos monarch.

Amid rising security challenges across the country, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called on Yorubas and Nigerians in general to remain vigilant.

He made the appeal at the weekend in Ode-Omu, Osun State, during the annual Ode-Omu Day celebration—an event where residents review community progress and plan for future development.

In a statement by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan commended the community under the leadership of the Alaye Ode-Omu, Oba James Oladipupo, for their strong commitment to development. 

He also assured that Ibadan would continue to support Ode-Omu’s growth, adding that next year, an illustrious son of the town and Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Tunde Afolabi, would chair the event.

Earlier, former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, told guests that Ibadan warriors were responsible for settling Ode-Omu in its present location in 1909.

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He also commended the royal fathers in attendance, particularly the Olubadan, for honouring the occasion.

The members of Olubadan-in -council who graced the occasion include Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Osi Olubadan, and High Chief Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was represented by Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo while the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Francis Adedoyin and his Chiefs were also in attendance.