Olubadan Ladoja Clarifies Jurisdiction, Unveils Development Agenda for Ibadanland
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has stated unequivocally that his authority and jurisdiction are limited to Ibadanland, as defined by existing laws, and do not extend to Yorubaland or the entire Oyo State.
The monarch made this declaration on Sunday while speaking at a Coronation Luncheon organised by the Ibadan Foundation in celebration of his ascension to the throne. The event took place at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan.
According to Oba Ladoja, the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration clearly specify his jurisdiction as covering the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland, with an estimated population of about four million residents.
“I do not want to be Olubadan of Yorubaland or Olubadan of Oyo State,” the first-class monarch said. “I have enough work on my hands within my area of jurisdiction.”
Addressing an audience that included prominent Ibadan indigenes such as Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, the 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 how residents approached him during protests over the Circular Road project, noting that he promptly briefed Governor Seyi Makinde on the situation.
“We are confronted with land-grabbing challenges, which informed the setting up of an anti-land-grabbing committee. We are awaiting their report, but I can assure you that land reform is underway,” Oba Ladoja said.
The monarch also highlighted steps taken to strengthen security and boost economic activities in the ancient city.
“When security breaches occur anywhere within our jurisdiction, we know who to call and who to hold responsible. We have also established the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee to advise us on how to revive industries that have been shut down for years in Ibadan,” he said.
According to him, reopening these industries would create employment opportunities for able-bodied youths and stimulate economic growth.
Oba Ladoja further emphasised the need to build on the legacy of Ibadan’s forefathers, known for bravery, nobility and hard work.
“We have inherited enviable records from our ancestors, but this does not mean we should resign ourselves to fate,” he said.
The Olubadan also spoke on recent chieftaincy developments, recalling that when the Ooni of Ife conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engr. Dotun Sanusi, many monarchs from Ibadan and across Oyo State attended in solidarity. He added that the installation of Chief Mrs Latinwo as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua further underscored the unity and recognition of Ibadan indigenes.
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