The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has reiterated that his authority does not extend beyond Ibadanland, comprising 11 local government areas of Oyo State with an estimated population of about four million people, as clearly stipulated in the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The monarch made this clarification on Sunday while speaking at a Coronation Luncheon organised in his honour by the Ibadan Foundation at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan, to mark his ascension to the throne. Oba Ladoja noted that he has enormous responsibilities within his jurisdiction and would not be distracted by claims or titles outside the bounds of the law.
Addressing an audience of prominent Ibadan sons and daughters including Asiwaju Bode Amoo, Chief Bayo Oyero, the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, and members of the Iyalode group, the first-class traditional ruler said he has a clear vision for confronting the challenges facing Ibadanland.
According to him, “When people protested the Circular Road project, my residence became their first point of call, and I promptly briefed His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. We are also confronted with the menace of land grabbing, which informed the establishment of an Anti-Land Grabbing Committee. We are awaiting its report, but I can assure you that land reforms are already underway.
“On security matters, whenever there are breaches within our jurisdiction, we know the appropriate authorities to contact and who should be held accountable. We have also set up the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee to advise us on how to revive many long-abandoned industries in Ibadan, so they can return to operation and create employment opportunities for our able-bodied youths.”
Oba Ladoja further emphasized that Ibadanland has inherited a proud legacy of bravery, nobility, and hard work from its forebears, stressing that such heritage should inspire progress rather than complacency.
The monarch also recalled that when the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Oodua on Ibadan’s illustrious son, Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, traditional rulers from across Oyo State and beyond attended in solidarity. He added that it was during the same occasion that one of Ibadan’s distinguished daughters, Chief (Mrs) Latinwo, was installed as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua.
E-signed
Adeola Oloko
Media Aide,
Olubadan of Ibadanland
