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.
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has appealed to Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs to remain united and resist any attempt to divide the country on any ground.
Oba Ladoja made the appeal while playing host to the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The monarch maintained that, crisis, war and insecurity have never recognized any religion, noting that both Christians and Muslims, as well as traditional worshippers have been victims of violence and terrorism in Nigeria, hence the need to unite and fight insecurity in the Country.
He expressed concerns over the huge national resources being expended to fight terrorism, saying despite the efforts of successive administrations, the security challenges still persist.
Olubadan urged the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to convey his royal message to the Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, that terrorism in Nigeria was not a religious war.
Oba Ladoja added that the fight against terrorism, should be a collective responsibilities of both the leaders and the followers.
On his part, Bishop Wale-Oke prayed for peace, lasting solution to insecurity in the country, while he also prayed for Oba Ladoja to live long on the throne with good health and sound mind for him to fulfil his lofty programmes for Ibadanland, and Nigeria in general.
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.
In a bid to ensure peaceful coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan on Friday, 26th September, 2025, the Oyo State Government has announced that over 2,000 security operatives would be deployed during the ceremony.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, stated this during a news briefing held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The Commissioner described Oba Ladoja, as a respected elder statesman, saying the coronation would represent significant cultural and historical moment for the people of Ibadanland.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Central Coronation Committee and a former President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero said, the ascension of Ọba Ladoja was a journey of many years guided by the wisdom of his ancestors.
Chief Oyero stated that, the coronation would be first of its kind as the 44th Olubadan is a former Governor, Senator, Engineer, Administrator and successful Businessman.
According to the chairman, the coronation will be attended by President Bola Tinubu, top government functionaries, traditional rulers from across the country, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, and sons and daughters of Ibadanland from home and in the diaspora.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the Committee has lined up a week-long programmes which will commence on Monday, 22nd September, 2025 with Interdenominational Service at Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the passage unto glory of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli.
The governor made this announcement in a statement on Thursday night, stating that Olubadan Balogun, joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde described Oba Balogun as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made great marks on Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.
He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch.
The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942.
Olubadan ascended his forefathers’ throne two years ago after the passage of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji.
On Monday, the late monarch thanked God for the grace and privilege to clock two years on the throne, just as he thanked members of his advisory council for their unflinching support so far.
Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, in Ibadan, the state capital, said the second anniversary, which coincided with the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast, was also used as an opportunity by the monarch to ask for prayers for the country by the Islamic faithful and expression of love for one another to make the period stress-free for the adherents.
The monarch said his clocking two years on the throne was a special grace by his creator that he could not take for granted.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Friday, ordered the immediate suspension of one of his Mogajis, Chief Olawale Oladoja, Mogaji Akinsola, following his dastard activities in the Akinsola Village in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The community came into the limelight on Thursday, following the clamping down on the residents of the community by the Mogaji Akinsola, claiming that he had gotten court judgments to prove that the land upon which they built their houses was not legally sold to them.
It would be recalled that about 200 houses in the community under reference were on Wednesday put under lock and key and red- marked which he said, was to prove his being in charge.
The action threw the residents out of their houses, leading some of them to sleep in the open throughout the night following which they protested to the Olubadan Palace on Thursday.
The complaints and the public outcry that greeted the matter which trended on the internet led to the emergency meeting conveyed on Friday, which had in attendance the Olubadan, some of the members of his Advisory Council, the representatives of Ibadan Mogajis led by Chief Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, Mogaji Akinsola and the representatives of the residents and where the decision to suspend the Mogaji and other actions were taken.
Briefing the press after the meeting, the Personal Assistant (Media) to Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola disclosed that three communities, Akinsola, Aponmode and Labinkulu were actually affected by the action with the other two communities as represented by Baale Aponmode, Dauda Bolarinwa Aponmode and Morufu Raufu, relaying how they were recruited by Mogaji Akinsola to join him in reclaiming the land from the landlords and how they turned him down.
In his presentation, Mogaji Akinsola told the monarch and his members of Advisory Council that he made several attempts to resolve the matter before he decided to take action.
He disclosed that the matter was also reported to the palace and moves were being made to intervene but didn’t wait for the conclusion of the palace intervention before he approached the security agents for the execution of the court judgment that gave his family the right of ownership of the disputed land.
The Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi who read the riot act on behalf of the Olubadan Advisory Council said: “Several facts were established here today and they pointed to the fact that Mogaji Akinsola didn’t follow the code of conduct usually handed down to both Mogajis and Baales when being appointed.”
“In this instance, the case was already in the Palace, but, did you inform the palace before the police was invited?”
“Your action inconvenient, embarrassed the Olubadan stool and the Ibadanland. You crossed the line and the Council has decided that you be suspended as Mogaji, you are ordered to tender public apology to the people inconvenienced.”
“You defied Olubadan, took laws into your hands by going ahead to take such drastic decision. This will serve as deterrents to others who fail to appreciate and recognize the responsibility their position as either Baale or Mogaji entails.”
“Your suspension will last for as long as it takes to resolve the problem you have created,” Ashipa Olubadan added.
Non-Ibadan residents were on Saturday enjoined to live peacefully with their hosts and cooperate with the Olubadan towards ensuring that nobody is treated unjustly.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II made the call at his Alarere residence while hosting the executive members of the Ibadan Zone of Ofa Descendants Union, ODU, who paid him a congratulatory visit.
Oba Balogun, who remarked that Ibadan has for a very long time in history being a melting pot of different nationalities and this would not change under his reign, rather, he said the Palace would encourage the metropolis to be more conducive for Indigenes and non-indigenes alike.
To however complement his gesture, the monarch declared the need for all to live peacefully among themselves, adding that, “the accommodating nature of Ibadan is second to none, which accounts for our daily expansion to our joy and satisfaction”.
“It is however incumbent upon our visitors to reciprocate Ibadan’s good nature by shunning all forms of acts capable of disrupting the age-long tradition of good neighborliness and I want to assure you of my fairness to all in the relationship between the residents and the Palace as a father of all”, Olubadan stated.
The Chairman of ODU, Dr. Adekunle Ibrahim, who led other members of the executive committee on the visit explained that the union, “is the apex umbrella body for all sons and daughters of the ancient town (Ofa) and the Ibadan zone of the union is on the visit to thank God for the grace granted our reverred father to mount the Olubadan throne”.
“Ibadan has been a home to us where we are living and prospering within our respective capacities. We are here, Kabiyesi to felicitate you on this historic occasion of your ascension to the throne and assure Your Majesty of our unflinching cooperation and support with prayer that our God will grant you long life on the throne in sound and robust health”, Adekunle stated.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has expressed excitement over the planned Oyo State Trade Fair by the Ibadan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, ICCI.
Oba Balogun, while reacting to the idea of staging the trade fair which would be a resuscitation of the event which has been rested over 13 years ago, said he and his Advisory Council (Olubadan-in-Council) would give all the necessary support for its success.
The monarch charged the leadership of the ICCI to look into ways by which the glory of the ancient metropolis as an industrial hub could be returned because of the concomitant ripple effects on the economy and the lives of the residents generally.
Oba Balogun commended the new President of the ICCI, Architect Samson Bamidele for his concern and commitment to the welfare of the people in his private business as a reputable dealer in petroleum products.
He said, ‘’the philanthropic gesture of Architect Bamidele is remarkable and acknowledged, not only within Ibadan metropolis but across the country and this must have been part of why he was elected the ICCI President”.
The ICCI President, Mr Samson Bamidele had told the monarch, who was supported by one of his High Chiefs, Ashipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole to receive the team that the Chamber was worried about the sudden backward position Ibadan receded to in terms of industrialization.
Architect Bamidele lamented the closure of virtually all the industries that made Ibadan tick in the past and which made it to rival other places like Lagos and Ogun with a promise to reverse the trend, noting that “part of our efforts in that direction is to first of all resuscitate the moribond Trade Fair which was held last about 13 years ago”.
“While Lagos State holds its Trade Fair annually, other states in the South West ensure the event is not permanently put in the cooler as Oyo State has done. We are changing the narrative. We are awaiting the state government’s nod to put machinery in motion for the event and hopefully by September/October, the Fair would be held”.
He sought the support and cooperation of Olubadan and his Advisory Council towards the success of the proposed Trade Fair, stressing that the ICCI, being one of the oldest in the country, having been founded since 1960 could not afford to trade with its pivotal position in the comity of Chambers of Commerce and Industry across the country.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Barrister Mutiu Agboke is seeking the assistance of traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in the polity to sensitize voters to collect the over 700,000 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) awaiting collection at the state office of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Barrister Agboke made the call during the visit made to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II by him and his management team at the Alarere residence of the monarch.
Using the occasion to present the Olubadan with the “Online Voter Registration Steps” poster, the REC said the uncollected PVCs were enough to make somebody the state governor, noting that the total number of votes scored by the two governorship candidates that scored the highest votes in 2019 governorship election was not up to 700,000 votes.
He said the purpose of the visit was to rejoice with Oba Balogun for ascending the throne of his forefathers and to solicit his assistance and cooperation as a respected voice in the community on the need for residents’ active participation in electoral activities.
Aside from the collection of PVC by the residents, the REC also wanted the monarch to help appeal to the various political parties to play the game according to the rules of engagement, saying, ”INEC is doing everything possible to ensure hitch-free elections, but, we need the cooperation of the political parties by adhering to the rules”.
“When the law says no to vote-buying, it is not INEC that goes about with money at the polling centres, the political parties are the ones. We started preparations for the next elections immediately after the 2019 elections and the results of our preparations manifested in the successful conduct of elections in Edo, Kogi, Bayelsa and Anambra States”.
“In addition, we had other bye-elections that were successfully conducted and we are out again to ensure that the 2023 elections are without hiccups of any form, but, we can only achieve this with the support and cooperation of all the stakeholders which formed part of our visit here, Kabiyesi”, the REC stated.
Mr Agboke also told Oba Balogun that the commission would on Monday, next week begin the fourth phase of the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, which he asked the monarch to help appeal to the residents to take the advantage of by participating in the exercise.
The Olubadan, who in his response assured the REC of the palace’s support for the commission’s programmes urged for enough sensitization of the general populace, asking the commission to be conscious of the political awareness level of the residents.
The monarch equally appealed to both the politicians and the electorate to work towards making Nigeria great by following the political rule, adding, “There’s nothing special about the so-called advanced societies that makes them better than we blacks except that they do things right”.
“Let’s fully participate in all the pre-electoral activities and vote peacefully during elections. Let us collaborate with ourselves and since INEC is ready, we as citizens too should be ready. I appeal to all, let’s see to the greatness of this country by doing things right”, Olubadan added.
The new Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun has assured the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII that the confidence reposed on him will not be abused .
He also pledged his support to members of the socio-cultural group that he would not let them down.
He stated this while receiving the executive council of the CCII led by its President-General, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga at the Alarere residence of the new Olubadan.
The new Olubadan, who acknowledged the activities of CCII which he described as dynamic and progressive, praised it’s doggedness, patriotism and sacrifice for the good of Ibadanland stressing that he had no choice than to give them all the necessary support.
Earlier, the President-General, CCII, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga had on behalf of the Council told the Olubadan that the purpose of the visit was to formally congratulate him on the ratification of his appointment as the new Olubadan by the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Prince Adeaga recalled the controversy that ensued immediately after the passage of Oba Saliu Adetunji over his successor, but, which by the grace of God had become history.
Olubadan of Ibadan land,Oba Lekan Balogun flanked by members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes
The CCII boss also said his Council played its role to ensure that the brouhaha did not get out of hand and praised the new Olubadan for the opportunity given them to function, noting that without the support and approval of the monarch, it would have been difficult to make any intervention.
Alluding to the intellectual prowess of the new Olubadan, Prince Adeaga said, “Kabiyesi, your exposure in the areas of academic, politics, business and social interaction has made our task easier. At CCII, we are to ensure that Ibadan dignity is at all time preserved and to now have a man of dignity and candour on the throne, our job becomes very easy.”
“We are to function based on your directive, Kabiyesi. When you want us in the front, we will be there, and if it is at the back that you want us, we are ready. We will be working based on your authority and directive and we are confident of your leadership as a man of many parts and with robust and rich credentials”, he added.
The CCII helmsman gave the new Olubadan an update on the new Ibadan Palace at Oke-Are and disclosed that it would gladden the hearts of his executive members if Oba Lekan Balogun becomes its first occupant.
He acknowledged Ibadan unique style where each monarch maintains private palaces, but stressed the need for an Ibadan Palace, the purpose of which he said the on-going one at Oke-Are would serve.
Prince Adeaga hinted the new Olubadan that whatever step to be taken on the new palace would be subjected to his ratification noting that “whoever the Kabiyesi wants as members of the committee handling the building project among his members of Olubadan-in-Council would be included”.
The Aliiwo family has appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde for the approval of Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This is contained in a statement in Ibadan signed by the head of Aliiwo family,
Engineer Daud Balogun ( Mogaji Agba).
The statement notes that Aliiwo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora were delighted over the development, thanking the Governor for making the family rekindle the history again after seventy years of the reign of the first Olubadan from the lineage, Oba Memudu Ejalonibu Okunmade Aliiwo 1.
The family also lauds the Olubadan-in-Council for its support, the display of solidarity and insistence on the sacredness of the tradition of succession to the stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The statement appreciates the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII for its roles in dousing tensions at the appropriate time and necessary interventions to ensure that the widely respected traditional system to the throne of Olubadan is intact.
The family commended the overwhelming support for Oba Olalekan Balogun by sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in diaspora promising that the monarch will not disappoint them and would ensure total transformation of the ancient city.
The statement adds that with the support of all and sundry, Ibadan will witness peace , progress and development during the reign of Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Senator Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The approval follows a recommendation made by the Olubadan-in-Council and which was communicated to the governor.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde wishes the newly confirmed Olubadan a peaceful and eventful reign.
The governor said: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“The appointment is in line with the Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, as well as the unique and time-tested tradition of our people.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Oyo State, I wish the newly confirmed Olubadan a successful reign blessed with peace and unprecedented progress.”
On a similar note, Governor Makinde has also approved the revocation of the amended Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which regulates the selection to the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy stool.
The statement indicated that the governor made the revocation order, dated February 11, 2022, in line with the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), in view of the Judgements of the Oyo State High Court on February 1 and 10 as well as Sections 7, 20,26 and 30 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.
The four separate laws/White Papers approved for revocation were made public by the immediate past administration between 2017 and 2018.
The statement listed the laws/white papers to include the amended declaration regulating the selection to the Olubadan Chieftaincy stool, published in August 2017; the implementation of the White Paper on the review of the existing Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other chieftaincies in Ibadan, Published in August 2017; the approval of the appointment of beaded crowns for the Olubadan in Council published March 2018 and the appointment of Beaded crowns and Coronet Wearing Obas published in March 2018.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Chief Sharafadeen Alli has said the death of the wife of the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Angela Folarin calls for prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, Chief Alli says Madam Angela Folarin died at the time her husband needs her support, urging Senator Teslim Folarin to consider and accept the death as the will of God.
The former SSG in Oyo State condoled with the immediate family of the late legal practitioner particularly her husband and the entire Ibadanland.
Chief Alli, therefore, called on all indigenes of Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole to devote time in prayers for the state.
The wife of the senator died on Friday afternoon in the UK at age 47.
He said, “Madam Angela was a great wife of Ibadanland. Her death came at the time her husband needs her support. I know her to be a good wife of Ibadanland despite her background as a non-Yoruba daughter.”
“Recently we lost a former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, a senior chief of Ibadanland and many other prominent people of the state.”
“I condole with my friend and brother, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin on the demise of his wife. I pray God in His infinite mercies to comfort him and the family of the late wife.”
The Council of Obas in Ogbomoso land has commiserated with Ibadanland on the passage of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
This followed a courtesy visit to the Olubadan’s palace at Popo Yemoja by the Ogbomoso traditional rulers.
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Abese of Ogbomoso Land, Chief Kasali Oladipo said the ascension of the late Olubadan was a colossal loss to the entire Oyo State.
He noted that Oba Adetunji’s contributions to Ibadan and the state could not be quantified.
Chief Oladipo prayed Allah to grant the late Olubadan Al Jannah Firdaus.
Son of former Governor of Oyo State, Idirs Abiola-Ajimobi has expressed condolence over the passage of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso the first.
The Olubadan joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan.
In his Condolence message, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi described the passage of the Monarch as shocking and unbelievable.
“Just within the spate of one month, Oyo State lost three highly revered Obas. This is really shocking and unbelievable. First it was the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade the third, second was the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoyo and now the Olubadan of Ibadanland”.
“I’ll like to commiserate with the good people of Ibadanland, and Oyo State in general on this sad incident in the New Year. We have lost another highly successful businessman and a good father to us all. My heartfelt sympathies to the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and particularly to the Olubadan in Council for this great loss”.
Idris Abiola-Ajimobi stated that the late Oba Saliu Adetunji was a principled and morally upright traditional ruler whose fatherly advice would be missed.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the Olubadan and for Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo State chapter have expressed shock at the journey of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 to his ancestors.
In a statement by Chairman, Oyo SWAN, Olaolu Fawole, the sports journalists described the journey of the royal father to his ancestors as very painful.
The association notes that the royal father would be greatly missed for his contributions to the development of the ancient city of Ibadan and Oyo state as a whole, particularly his indelible contributions to sports.
“We express our condolences to the family of the Olubadan, all Ibadan indigenes as well as residents of the ancient city”. His contributions to sports development in the state are unquantifiable and the royal father has left a vacuum that is seriously difficult for anyone to fill”. The statement added.
The 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland passed away this morning, Sunday, 2nd January 2022, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan at the age of 93.
Some supporters of the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as “Sunday Igboho” have stormed the streets of Ibadan, demanding for the release of all those arrested by Department of State Security Service, DSS, last week.
The angry protesters comprising family members of the arrested loyalists of Sunday Igboho protested to major streets in Ibadan in demand for the release of the arrested persons.
The protesters were at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and those of other prominent persons in the city.
The protesters who in black attires demanded the release of the arrested persons and described the as illegal.
The family members who later moved to the Lagos/Ibadan expressway blocked the road for some minutes.
They also moved to Challenge and Molete areas and finally moved to Sanyo and Soka Area of Ibadan.
Some people were arrested at the residence of Sunday Igboho last week Thursday who were later paraded Abuja by the DSS.
The DSS later confirmed the arrest of thirteen persons during the midnight raid.
Friends and family of the out-gone Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Moshood Olaleye have gathered to celebrate the bowing out from civil service of the astute administrator after attaining the compulsory retirement age of 60 years .
At the ceremony, which coincided with the annual Ramadan lecture of the agency, had the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1 in attendance.
Earlier in a short exhortation, an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Mamud Abimbola admonished leaders to lead by example and make sacrifices that would hasten the socioeconomic progress of the country.
Reacting, the out-gone Oyo NOA boss, Mr Moshood Olaleye while appreciating God for his guidance, said he was able to achieve a great feat in mobilization for Covid-19 vaccination and raising awareness against insecurity within two months of his acting capacity as state director.
Mr Olaleye said with his engagement with people at the grassroots, it has proved that creation of employment opportunities for youths was the way out of insecurity in the state.
Mrs Folake Ayoola has taken over affairs at the agency as state director in acting capacity.
…to set up committee on amicable resolution of leadership crisis
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday met with leaders of market men and women in the state, declaring that he was ready to put in place policies to boost economic growth.
The governor, who stated this at an event held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, added that he would continue to pursue programmes and policies that will make life comfortable for everyone.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that he would go ahead to set up a committee to explore options on the amicable resolution of the recent crisis surrounding the leadership positions of the markets.
Governor Makinde, who expressed his desire for unity among market men and women in the state, said that his administration would sit with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the existing misunderstanding.
He equally acknowledged the role played by market leaders during his campaign for the governorship in 2015 and 2019, urging them to learn a lesson from his life and submit to the will of God on market leadership.
He, however, noted that he had already told the Olubadan of Ibadanland that he would not query Kabiyesi’s decision on the leadership of the market, stating, however, that his government would look into requests made by the market leaders and ensure that the right thing is done.
He said: “I acknowledge all you did during the electioneering period. We worked tirelessly together in 2014 and 2015 and, now, the will of God has prevailed. I want to tell us that we need to do things according to the will of God. Obviously, we will see to your requests and make sure the right thing is done.
“I once told Kabiyesi at his palace that I believe everybody is for me. I also told Kabiyesi that anybody who has been chosen to be in a position of leadership in the market will not be queried by me.
“I believe no matter how complex the matter is, we can still sit down and deliberate upon it to find a lasting solution. So, I want a united house because if we do, that is when what should come to us can come.”
The governor promised to set up a committee to look into the matter, expressing the belief that the issue will be resolved in no time.
“I will set up a committee immediately and I believe this issue will be resolved. But I want to urge you to learn from my personal political experience. I contested to go to the Senate twice but I was denied. In 2019, I prayed that the will of God be done on my gubernatorial ambition and it indeed came to pass.
“So, let every one of us always allow the will of God to prevail on the things we do.
“Yes, this is your government. We will also do the things that are needful as a government to boost your businesses and make life comfortable for everyone,” he added.
While speaking on behalf of the market men and women from all the nooks and crannies of the state, the South-West Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, Mrs. Odunayo Danjuma and the Acting
Iyaloja of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Justina Ogundoyin, appreciated Governor Makinde for providing loans to traders and artisans in the state.
They added that the association will continue to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
Mrs. Danjuma appealed to the governor to help in resolving the lingering leadership crisis among the market women and men in the state, with a view to it having an acceptable leadership in the state.
It was a show of love at Ilaji Hotel and Resorts Center where various tribes in Ibadan, traditional rulers across the Southwest of Nigeria as well as notable sons and daughters of Ibadanland gathered to celebrate the fifth year coronation anniversary of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The event was organized by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who also graced the occasion.
Other dignitaries at the event aprt from the Ooni of Ife, are Eze Ndigbo in Ibadan, Dr. Alex Anozie, Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Sunday Dare and members of the Olubadan in Council.
The event featured several display of Yoruba culture, cutting of the anniversary cake, and presentation of gifts.
Many of those who spoke with Radio Nigeria including the Chief Executive Officer, Ilaji Hotel and Resorts Center, Chief Dotun Sanusi described the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji as a man of peace who worked to ensure unity among various tribes in the city.
At the ceremony, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who could not hide his joy over the coronation anniversary ceremony prayed for the Olubadan and continued peace in the Ibadanland.
Speaking on behalf of Olubadan, the Chief Media officer to the monarch, Mr Adeola Oloko who expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for organising the ceremony, said the event was organized to thank God for the peace that reigns in Ibadanland.
Mr. Oloko therefore advised Nigerians to tolerate each other for the progress and development of the country.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, as he clocks 92 years on earth.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, states that the foremost monarch “personifies greatness and honour.”
Governor Makinde said the tenure of the monarch, who he described as a royal pillar and custodian of Ibadan’s great values, rich history and tradition has witnessed huge successes, unprecedented growth and development in his domain.
Governor Makinde prayed to God to uphold and imbue Olubadan with good health and agility to continue to lead the people.
