Environment

By Olawale Asake

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has appealed to the Federal Government to help solve the ecological problems affecting Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital. 

Oba Ladoja made the appeal during a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, in Abuja office.

According to the statement issued and signed by his Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan, who is the Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, acknowledged the previous interventions of the Federal Government and World Bank on Ogunpa channelisation.

The royal father, however, added that the Ogunpa ecological problem gained more prominence because the areas affected are elitist areas stretching from Mokola, Ekotedo, Ogunpa, Oke Ado, to Molete.

He called on the Federal Government to extend its support in addressing the environmental threats confronting his subjects in Oranyan, Kudeti Agbongbon, and other parts of the historic city.

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Economy

By Olawale Asake

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the new tax laws scheduled to take effect next year will ease financial pressures by exempting food, medication, education, agriculture and shared transportation from taxation.

The assurance was given at the 8th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 76th Posthumous Birthday, held in Ibadan and organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation, SAAF in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan.

Represented by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, the President said the reforms would eliminate multiple taxation and provide relief for low-income earners, small businesses and the poor.

Speaking on the theme, “Pathways to Electoral Credibility: Reforming Political Parties, Re-engaging Citizens, and Restoring Trust in Democracy in Nigeria,” former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said a stable and democratic Nigeria remains critical to West Africa’s growth and stability.

In her welcome address, President of the Foundation, Chief Florence Ajimobi, eulogised her late husband, noting that his legacy in Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity endures.

Dignitaries at the event included Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; former Ogun State Governor and APC chieftain, Chief Olusegun Osoba; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; as well as politicians, academics and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Culture

By Olawale Asake

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja will preside over the elevation ceremony of seven senior Chiefs in Otun Olubadan line. 

The promotion exercise will take place on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to a statement by the Media Aide to Olubadan, Chief Adeola Oloko,  Senior Chief Lekan Alabi would be promoted to Abese Olubadan from Maye Olubadan, Senior Chief Akin Fijabi will move to Maye Olubadan from Ekefa Olubadan and Senior Chief Saka Lapade who will become the Ekefa Olúbàdàn,

Others are, a former Governorship Candidate in Oyo State, Senior Chief Teslim Folarin, who will be elevated from Aare Alaasa Olubadan to Agbaakin Olubadan, Senior Chief Muibi Adewuyi is expected to become Aare Alasa Olubadan from  Ikolaba Olubadan, Chief Raufu Delesolu will become Ikolaba Olubadan and Chief Hammed Lanihun would become Asaju Olubadan from Ayingun Olubadan. 

It will be recalled that a fortnight ago,the promotion exercise to fill the vacant title created by the emergence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan began with the promotion of five Olubadan-in-council members from Otun Olubadan down to Ekarun.

Next promotion exercise will afford the remaining nine other chiefs the opportunity climb the ladder through the Otun Olubadan line. 

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Culture

By Olawale Asake

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Bodija residence, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Alhaji Abubakar was in company of Former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, Former Senate President, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and others.

Former President Abubakar said, the coronation of Oba Ladoja was historic, praying that Ibadan would experience peace and development during the reign of the monarch.

Alhaji Abubakar later handed over a letter of “Congratulations” to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Responding, The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja appreciated the visit and gave assurance that he would use his reign and the rest of his life to serve Ibadan people, Oyo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

Oba Ladoja restated his promise to make everybody proud of him as the Olubadan of the ancient city, by ensuring fairness and justice for all. 

Religion

By Olawale Asake/ Adebukola Aluko

For the congregation in Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Church of Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, Sunday, 28 September, 2025, can be considered exceptional.

The coronation thanksgiving mass of His Imperial Majesty, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja was held in the Archdiocese.

The Olubadan, his Oloris, Rashidat, Abibat and Bukola Ladoja were in the Church with members of the family, Olubadan in Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII and well wishers for the epoch making event.

In a congratulatory message, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese .of Ibadan, His Grace, Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin said, the historic milestones of Oba Ladoja was an eloquent testimony of the unfailing providence of the Almighty God who bestowed strength on him.

He prayed that God would continue to bless Oba Ladoja with good health and divine guidance to rule with justice, compassion and courage as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Also in attendance was Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Reverend Felix Alaba-Job.

Oba Rashidi Ladoja had on Friday 26th September 2025, received Staff of Office as Olubadan of Ibadanland from the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde in a ceremony graced by President Bola Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians including indigenes and non indigene of Ibadan at the Mapo Hall.

Culture

By Wale Asake 

Family Head of Ali-Iwo Compound, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mogaji Kamaldeen Giwa has described the ascension of Oba Rashidi Ladoja to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland as a divine and welcome development in the history of Ibadan.

Mogaji Giwa stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria at the First Coronation Lecture organized in honour of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. 

The Mogaji of Ali-Iwo said, Oba Ladoja has been a father for all, lover of Ibadan who would further use his connections to facilitate more development to the ancient city.

He pledged his support to the Olubadan, who wanted the best for Ibadan and its people, having been a Senator, Governor, and an Industrialist.

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Culture

By Wale Asake 

With the vision of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, there will be environmental uplift and further development that will transform Ibadan for the better.

 A Historian from University of Texas Austin, United States of America, Professor Toyin Falola made this known while delivering the First Olubadan Coronation Lecture in honour of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking on the Lecture Titled, “Ibadan In History: Issues In Tradition and Modernity“, Professor Falola said, Ibadan was rich in culture and hospitality, noting that, many residents had benefited in no small measure from the ancient city. 

He said, Oba Ladoja would use his wealth of experience as a former politician, industrialist and now as a traditional ruler to make a positive change in the area of education, cleaning of the city and others. 

In a goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale described the journey of Oba Ladoja as a unique blend of modernity and deep respect for tradition. 

On his part, the Chairman, Coronation Committee, who is also a former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero said, Oba Ladoja’s reception by all signified that, he is a man of the people, hence, witnessing various programmes as part of activities for his coronation.

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Culture

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, Oyo State Council, has described the emergence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland as a divine blessing to the land, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Kehinde Olayade, the Union congratulated Oba Ladoja, who will be officially installed as the Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.

The Union expressed confidence that the reign of Oba Ladoja would open new doors of opportunities, strengthen communal harmony, and promote justice and fairness.

“On behalf of the entire leadership and members of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, Oyo State Council, we heartily congratulate His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashid Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his ascension to the exalted throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

“This historic moment is not only a blessing to Ibadanland but also to Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Your emergence as the Olubadan is a testament to your enviable leadership qualities, wisdom, and deep commitment to the growth and unity of our people. We are confident that under your reign, Ibadanland will continue to flourish in peace, development, and cultural heritage.”

“As a union, we take pride in identifying with this new chapter in the history of Ibadanland. We believe that your reign will open new doors of opportunities, strengthen communal harmony, and promote the values of justice and fairness for which you are widely respected.”

We pray that Almighty God grants you long life, sound health, and divine wisdom to lead Ibadanland to greater heights.”

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Culture

By Wale Asake

Three former State Governors have joined the list of eminent Nigerians who have paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Private Residence in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

They were Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and currently National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said his visit was to pay homage to the incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland, considering his immense contributions to the society. 

Corroborating the former Governor of Osun State, Dr Mimiko described Oba Ladoja as a great man with track records of achievements. 

In a separate visit, former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Daniel maintained that Oba Ladoja was a great politician and Governor when they both served. 

Senator Daniel narrated how they both worked together to protect South Western heritage from collapsing and going into extinction, adding that Oba Ladoja will surely use his wealth of experience to further develop Ibadan and beyond. 

Responding, Oba Ladoja, said, service to humanity and contributions to the society have always been his priority, therefore solicited the prayers of everyone for a successful reign.

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Culture

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Oyo State Government has pledged to uphold the rights and entitlements of traditional rulers across the state, assuring that they will be accorded the proper respect and recognition they deserve.

Governor Seyi Makinde stated this at the grand finale of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde, who said the Council of Obas and Chiefs had been in abeyance before he assumed office in 2019, added that traditional rulers would begin to get their due, including official vehicles, as soon as the council is constituted. 

He added that he had mandated all the eleven local government councils in Ibadanland to provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, before the end of May.

Governor Makinde thanked the people of Oyo State for supporting his government, and also the Central Council Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) for the award of recognition given to Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State.

Responding, after receiving the award of Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who commended Governor Makinde for his unprecedented performances and for making the people of the state happy, thanked the CCII for recognising his efforts.

While stressing that governance is about the people, he urged them to continue to support Governor Makinde to develop the state.

Presenting the award earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Oba Rasidi Ladoja, said the award was in recognition of Senator Diri’s outstanding support, inclusive leadership and contribution to the Ibadan Indigenes in Bayelsa State.

Also, the Chairman of the event, who is also the chairman, BOVAS Oil and Gas, Architect Bamidele Samson, urged all Ibadan people to always use the Yoruba language, culture and religion to promote tradition and cultural heritage.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Ibadan Cultural Festival, Chief Abiola Alli, thanked all the stakeholders for their contributions and performances since the week began.

Delivering his remarks, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, lauded Governor Makinde’s unflinching support to the council, Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.

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