The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said clearly that he has no interest in being regarded as the Olubadan of Yorubaland or Oyo State, stressing that his authority is strictly limited to Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja said his jurisdiction covers only the 11 local government areas that make up Ibadanland, with an estimated population of about four million people. According to him, any attempt to stretch the authority of the Olubadan beyond this defined area is against existing laws.
He made the clarification while speaking at a coronation luncheon organised in his honour on Sunday to celebrate his ascension to the throne. The event, put together by the Ibadan Foundation, was held at the Kakanfo Hotel, Ring Road, Ibadan.
The traditional ruler explained that his sphere of influence is clearly stated in the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, noting that these documents leave no ambiguity about the role of the Olubadan.
“I am not interested in being the Olubadan of Yorubaland or that of Oyo State. My area of jurisdiction is Ibadanland,” Ladoja said. “I have a lot of work to do here, rather than bothering myself with what I am not.”
Speaking before an audience that included prominent Ibadan indigenes such as Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola and leaders of the Iyalode group, the monarch said he has a clear understanding of the challenges facing Ibadan and how to address them.
He recalled that during public protests over the Circular Road project, his residence became a major point of contact for concerned residents. “When people were protesting about the Circular Road, my house was their first port of call, and I briefed His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde about it,” he said.
Oba Ladoja also identified land grabbing as a major problem in Ibadanland, revealing that an anti land grabbing committee has already been set up. “We are confronted with land grabbing challenges. This was why we set up an anti land grabbing committee. We are awaiting their report,” he stated, adding that land reform efforts are already underway.
On security, the Olubadan said traditional authorities in Ibadanland are working closely with relevant agencies to address breaches whenever they occur. “When we notice security breaches anywhere within our area of jurisdiction, we know who to call and who to hold responsible,” he said.
He further disclosed that an Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee has been established to advise the palace on how to revive moribund industries across the city. According to him, reopening such industries would help generate employment for young people and stimulate economic growth.
“We want them to re open for business to generate employment opportunities for our able bodied youths,” Ladoja said. “We have inherited legacies of bravery, nobility and hard work from our forefathers. This does not mean we should resign ourselves to fate.”
The monarch also referenced recent pan Yoruba traditional events, saying solidarity among traditional rulers should not be misinterpreted as an expansion of authority. He cited the conferment of the title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engineer Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, which attracted wide attendance from traditional rulers across Oyo State.
“We didn’t know that one of our illustrious daughters, Chief Mrs Latinwo, was also going to be installed Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua,” he added.
