The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, clarifies the limits of Olubadan jurisdiction while unveiling plans on security, land reform, and economic revival.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has clearly restated the boundaries of his traditional authority, emphasizing that his influence and responsibilities are strictly limited to Ibadanland as defined by law.
According to the monarch, Olubadan jurisdiction covers only the 11 local government areas within Ibadan and the estimated four million people living there, a position firmly anchored in the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
Oba Ladoja made this assertion during a coronation luncheon organised in his honour by the Ibadan Foundation, following his recent ascension to the throne.
The event, held at the Kakanfo Hotel in Ibadan, provided an opportunity for the monarch to engage directly with political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, and community stakeholders on his priorities for the ancient city.
In his address, the Olubadan explained that the clarification of Olubadan jurisdiction was necessary to avoid misconceptions about his role and influence beyond Ibadanland.
He stressed that while he respects other traditional institutions and leaders, his duty is first and foremost to the people within his legally defined domain.
He added that the weight of responsibility within Ibadan alone is substantial enough to demand his full attention.
The monarch noted that his leadership philosophy would be guided by responsiveness, consultation, and adherence to the law.
Speaking before respected Ibadan figures such as Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, and leaders of the Iyalode group, Oba Ladoja said he had a clear roadmap for addressing Ibadan’s social, economic, and security challenges under the framework of Ibadanland leadership.
He cited the recent controversy surrounding the Circular Road project as an example of how the palace serves as a bridge between the people and government.
According to him, affected residents and community leaders brought their grievances directly to the palace before taking further action.
In response, he promptly engaged Governor Seyi Makinde, ensuring that the concerns of the people were formally communicated to the state government.
Land-related disputes were another major issue highlighted by the Olubadan. He described land grabbing as a growing threat to peace and orderly development in Ibadanland.
To confront the problem, he disclosed that the palace had already constituted an anti–land-grabbing committee made up of knowledgeable and credible individuals.
While awaiting the committee’s formal report, the monarch revealed that discussions around land reform in Ibadan had already commenced, signalling a more structured and transparent approach to land administration.
Beyond land issues, Oba Ladoja addressed security concerns, reassuring residents that the palace maintains effective communication channels to handle security breaches within Ibadanland.
He explained that traditional institutions, when properly coordinated with security agencies and community leaders, can play a vital role in early warning, conflict resolution, and community stability.
This, he said, remains a key aspect of traditional authority in modern society.
On the economic front, the Olubadan announced the establishment of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, a body tasked with identifying strategies to revive moribund industries scattered across the city.
According to him, Ibadan was once home to thriving industrial concerns that provided employment and stimulated economic activity, but many of these enterprises have since collapsed.
He emphasized that economic revival is essential for social stability, noting that idle youths are more vulnerable to crime and social vices.
By encouraging the reopening of closed factories and attracting new investments, the palace hopes to support government efforts in job creation and sustainable development.
This initiative, he said, aligns with his broader vision for economic revival rooted in local capacity and private-sector participation.
Reflecting on Ibadan’s history, Oba Ladoja reminded his audience that the city was founded by courageous, hardworking, and enterprising forebears.
He urged residents to draw strength from this heritage and resist the temptation to accept decline as destiny.
According to him, the story of Ibadanland leadership has always been one of resilience, adaptation, and collective effort.
The Olubadan also used the occasion to highlight unity among Yoruba traditional institutions.
He recalled the recent event where the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engineer Dotun Sanusi, noting that many traditional rulers from Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State attended the ceremony in solidarity.
For him, the gathering symbolised mutual respect and cooperation among royal fathers, despite differences in jurisdiction.
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He further noted that the same occasion witnessed the installation of Chief Mrs Latinwo, an accomplished daughter of Ibadan, as the Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua.
Oba Ladoja described her installation as a recognition of women’s contributions to cultural preservation and community development across Yorubaland.
The Olubadan reiterated that respect for clearly defined roles remains essential to harmony among traditional institutions.
He assured the people of Ibadanland that within the bounds of Olubadan jurisdiction, he would continue to promote peace, development, and unity, while working collaboratively with government and stakeholders to secure a prosperous future for the city.
Ireport247news
