The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called on residents of Ibadan to continue upholding peaceful coexistence, stressing that unity and mutual respect are essential for the city’s progress.
Oba Ladoja made the appeal during a meeting with the Council of Traditional Baales in Ibadanland, held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Wednesday. He was represented at the meeting by the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Adewoyin.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan-designate emphasized that Ibadan has long been known for peace and harmony among its diverse population, regardless of differences in language, religion, or ethnicity.
“Ibadanland is known to enjoy peaceful co-existence irrespective of differences in language, religion, and tribe. I therefore urge you all to remain peaceful and be your brothers’ keepers,” he said, while requesting prayers and support from all quarters to move both the city and the state forward.
Earlier in his remarks, President of the Council of Baales, Chief Oladapo Atilola, said the council had come to pay tribute to the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and to show loyalty to the incoming monarch. “We are here to celebrate the departure of an achiever, a peace-loving and philanthropic leader, and to heartily welcome the Olubadan-designate. We assure him of our unalloyed allegiance,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by several notable Ibadan chiefs and mogajis, including Senior Chief Lekan Alabi (Maye of Olubadan), Chief Monsur Arulogun, Chief Wasiu Aladorin, and others.
The late Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, after a reign marked by peace and community development.
