Olubadan Sets Security Agenda, Intervenes in Circular Road Protests

…Reveals steps taken to prevent unrest and protect communal peace

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has disclosed that his palace played a key role in addressing the Circular Road crisis in Ibadan, noting that concerned residents first brought the matter to his attention before it was escalated to the state government.

Oba Ladoja made this known on Sunday through a press release by the Media Aide to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko while speaking at a Coronation Luncheon organised in his honour by the Ibadan Foundation at the Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan.

According to the monarch, once the palace was alerted about the protests surrounding the Circular Road project, he promptly briefed Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in the interest of peace and public order.

Speaking further on security, the Olubadan said his administration had put in place effective mechanisms to address security breaches within Ibadanland.

He explained that the palace works closely with relevant authorities and holds responsible parties accountable whenever disturbances occur within its jurisdiction.

The monarch identified land grabbing as another major security challenge confronting Ibadanland, revealing that an Anti-Land Grabbing Committee had been set up by the palace and is currently awaiting its report.

He hinted that land reforms were underway to bring lasting solutions to the problem.

Oba Ladoja also announced the establishment of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, saddled with the responsibility of recommending ways to revive industries that have been shut down in Ibadan for several years.

He said the reopening of such industries would help create employment opportunities for the city’s able-bodied youths.

He stressed that his traditional authority is confined to Ibadanland, covering 11 local government areas with an estimated population of about four million people, as provided by the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

He added that he has no ambition to be addressed as the Olubadan of Yorubaland or Oyo State.

Addressing the gathering of eminent Ibadan sons and daughters, including Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, and members of the Iyalode group, the monarch said Ibadan had inherited legacies of bravery, nobility, and hard work from its forefathers, stressing the need to build on those values rather than resign to fate.

Oba Ladoja also recalled the recent conferment of the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engr. Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni of Ife, noting that monarchs from across Oyo State attended the ceremony in solidarity.

He added that the installation of Chief Mrs. Latinwo as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua further underscored unity among Yoruba traditional institutions.