The 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa 1)
Culture

No Violence during Egungun Festival — Olubadan

By Web News 52

By Olawale Asake

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged masquerades and their followers to eschew violence as this year’s Egungun Festival in Ibadan begins on Monday.

Oba Ladoja gave the warning in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.

The monarch said the annual cultural festival, which has been celebrated from time immemorial, remains a platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ibadanland, promoting social cohesion, strengthening family unity and fostering communal solidarity through traditional rites and sacrifices.

Oba Ladoja stressed that the festival should not be used to settle old scores, engage in supremacy battles or carry out retaliatory attacks between masquerades and their opponents.

He warned that any act of violence would not be tolerated.

The Olubadan assured residents that the palace had put in place necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration throughout the festival period.

He appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining law and order.

Oba Ladoja also directed masquerades and their followers to strictly adhere to routes, locations and time schedules approved by law enforcement agencies.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Culture

Competence Will Decide 2027 Polls — Olubadan

By Web News 173

By Olawale Asake

Politicians seeking elective offices in the 2027 elections have been advised to prioritise service delivery, competence and grassroots impact rather than relying solely on political affiliations and endorsements.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, gave the advice while speaking with newsmen at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja said there was nothing wrong with politicians using his name to promote their political ambitions, describing all politicians and residents of the state as his sons and daughters.

The monarch noted that politicians have the right to associate with him and leverage his name in pursuit of their ambitions.

Oba Ladoja, a former Senator and Governor of Oyo State, however, maintained that using his name alone could not guarantee electoral victory, stressing that antecedents and contributions to grassroots development would remain critical factors.

The Olubadan urged aspirants and candidates to focus on programmes and policies that would directly impact the lives of the people, noting that voters in Oyo State would place greater emphasis on competence and credibility during the elections.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Security

Oyo CP Hails Olubadan over Security Initiative

By Web News 400

By Abisola Oluremi

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Olugbenga Abimbola, has met with stakeholders on security in Ibadan land, including Mogajis, traditional leadership representatives, and members of the Ibadan Peace and Security Initiative.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the delegation was led by the president of all Mogajis in Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, Coordinator of the Ibadan Peace and Security Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade and Head of all Baales in Ibadanland, Baale F. D. Ige.

At the meeting, the stakeholders commended the command for its swift response to distress calls and sustained collaboration with community structures to maintain peace and security.

They explained that the Ibadan Peace and Security Initiative, which was recently established by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was to complement the intelligence network of the Nigeria Police Force by providing credible, timely, and actionable information to support policing operations. 

In his response, Mr Abimbola appreciated the initiative and commended Oba Ladoja for his continued support for security collaboration in the state. 

He praised the Mogajis for fostering peace and cooperation between traditional institutions and security agencies, reiterating that effective policing thrives on trust, partnership, and timely intelligence sharing.

A highlight of the engagement was the “Know Your DPO” segment, during which the contact details of Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders were shared with the Mogajis and operatives within their respective jurisdictions. 

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Politics

Fayose Alleges Plot to Dethrone Olubadan

By Web News 252

By Olawale Asake

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has reaffirmed has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, was plotting to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Mr Fayose made the allegation when he paid a visit to Oba Ladoja in his residence at Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The allegation is coming barely twenty four hours after the Olubadan was reported to have refuted allegations of moving to impeach governor Seyi Makinde.

The former Ekiti State Governor said, the purpose of his visit was to identify with the traditional institution, adding that the truth behind the claims would soon be revealed.

“I came to identify with Kabiyesi, Olubadan of Ibadan land because the latest issues came when I made a revelation of what is ahead in Ibadan and Oyo state and I stand by what have said, nobody in this country, I stand to be corrected as ever said what Fayose said has been contradicted by his new action overtime. Whatever I say, is either I have the right information from the source or I am privy one way or the other to certain activities”.

Mr Fayose maintained that all his claims were based on credible information, noting that his earlier revelations were not speculative but rooted in facts.

He, however, advised Governor Seyi Makinde to tread softly and respect the revered traditional institution in the State, particularly, the Olubadan stool.

Responding, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja expressed appreciation to former Governor Fayose for the visit.

The Monarch assured that the matter would be handled internally, emphasising the role of elders in resolving disputes within Ibadan, as the any matter would be resolved amicably.

“all we heard is that, the governor is not in town, when he returns, I am very sure, he will step into the matter”

It would be recalled that Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose earlier alleged that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde was planning to remove the traditional ruler, which has since generated mixed reactions in the ancient City.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Governance

Olubadan, Lawmakers Refute Impeachment Plot Against Makinde

By Web News 232

By Olawale Asake/Mosope Kehinde

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has refuted claims that he is planning to unseat the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

The dismissal is contained in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, where the monarch cautioned against dragging the throne of Olubadan into what he termed “dirty politics.”

Oba Ladoja said, it was illogical to suggest that a traditional ruler could have the constitutional authority to remove a sitting governor, stressing that even a local government chairman cannot be impeached by any monarch.

The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland reiterated his commitment to the traditional institution, urging political actors in the State to refrain from involving the revered throne in partisan controversies.

In the same vein, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Folajimi Oyekunle, has strongly condemned the alleged move to impeach Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing it as a desperate attempt by enemies of the state to destabilize the prevailing peace and progress.

In a statement, Mr Oyekunle said that those behind the purported impeachment plot would not succeed in causing mayhem or disrupting the stability that Oyo State has enjoyed over the past seven years.

The federal lawmaker noted that the Makinde-led administration has consistently delivered people-oriented policies and programmes, which have brought visible relief and development to residents across the state.

According to him, the impact of the administration is evident and widely acknowledged by the populace.

Reaffirming his unwavering loyalty, Mr Oyekunle reiterated his full support for Governor Makinde stressing that the government remains focused on sustaining growth and development across all sectors.

Similarly, the Lawmaker representing Atiba Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Gbenga Oyekola, said that, he was not part of any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State, saying he was never invited, nor consulted, and was not part of any meeting or arrangement.

Mr Oyekola alleged that, certain individuals were planning to work against the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the lawmakers.

Mr Oyekola, who is also the Chief Whip of the House described Governor Makinde as a Boss he would remain loyal to, considering his giants strides in the state.

Edited by Adetutu Adetule & Taiwo Akinola

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Environment

Ibadan Ecological Crisis: Olubadan Calls FG

By Web News 347

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

New Tax Law Would Ease Burden on Nigerians – Tinubu

By Web News 482

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

Oba Ladoja to Preside Over Elevation of Seven Senior Chiefs

By Web News 413

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

Atiku, Ayu, Ex Govs. Visit Olubadan of Ibadanland

By Web News 668

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

Most Reverend Abegunrin Lauds Oba Ladoja at Coronation Thanksgiving

By Web News 596

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

Ali Iwo Family Pledges Support for Olubadan

By Web News 681

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

Don Anticipates Advancement during Oba Ladoja’s Reign

By Web News 567

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

RATTAWU Hails Oba Ladoja’s Emergence as 44th Olubadan, Calls It Divine Blessing

By Web News 666

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

Former Govs. Visit Olubadan-Designate

By Web News 661

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

We will always give traditional rulers their entitlements – Makinde

By Web News 145

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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