The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has drawn a clear line around his authority, declaring that he has neither the ambition nor the mandate to be Olubadan of Yorubaland or Oyo State.
Speaking with unmistakable clarity, the monarch said his jurisdiction is strictly limited to Ibadanland, as provided by law, covering 11 local government areas and an estimated four million residents.
Oba Ladoja made the assertion on Sunday at a coronation luncheon organised by the Ibadan Foundation at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan, to mark his ascension to the throne.
According to him, the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration leave no room for misinterpretation, insisting that the enormity of challenges within Ibadan alone demands his full and undivided attention.
“I have more than enough work to do in Ibadan to bother about what I am not,” the first-class monarch said, to loud applause from an audience of Ibadan leaders, traditional chiefs and prominent sons and daughters of the city.
Setting the tone for his reign, Oba Ladoja highlighted land administration, security and economic revival as top priorities. He recalled how aggrieved residents over the Circular Road project first stormed his residence, prompting him to promptly brief Governor Seyi Makinde on their grievances.
He disclosed that the palace had set up an anti-land grabbing committee to confront the growing menace of illegal land acquisition, hinting that comprehensive land reforms were already underway.
On security, the Olubadan said the palace had established clear channels for accountability whenever breaches occur within his domain.
Determined to tackle unemployment, Oba Ladoja announced the inauguration of an Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, tasked with recommending practical steps to revive long-abandoned industries in Ibadan.
“These industries must return to life, reopen for business and provide jobs for our able-bodied youths,” he said.
The monarch urged Ibadan people not to resign themselves to fate, reminding them of the city’s rich legacy of bravery, industry and noble leadership.
He also pointed to the recent conferment of the Okanlomo Oodua title on industrialist, Engr Dotun Sanusi, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, describing the widespread attendance of Yoruba monarchs as a powerful symbol of unity. He added that the occasion also saw the installation of Chief Mrs Latinwo as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua.
Reaffirming his leadership focus, Oba Ladoja said his reign would remain firmly rooted in Ibadan, guided by law, tradition and a clear vision for progress.
