Ibadan Affairs

14/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

PROTECTING THE SANCTITY OF THE OLUBADAN THRONE FROM POLITICAL INTERFERENCE:

The attention of Olubadan-in-Line Traditional Chiefs and concerned stakeholders in Ibadanland has been drawn to recent developments and narratives that seek to politicize the revered institution of the Olubadan throne. We find this trend disturbing and wholly inconsistent with the long-standing traditions and customs that have sustained the dignity of the stool over the years.

The Olubadan throne is a symbol of unity, cultural heritage, and the collective identity of the Ibadan people. Its ascension process, widely regarded as one of the most transparent and orderly traditional succession systems in Yorubaland, has remained apolitical, merit-based, and deeply rooted in custom and tradition.

We wish to state unequivocally that the Olubadan institution must be protected from undue political influence, manipulation, or interference of any kind. Any attempt to drag this revered stool into partisan considerations not only undermines its sanctity but also threatens the peace, stability, and unity of Ibadanland.

We therefore call on all political actors, public office holders, and interest groups to exercise restraint and respect the traditional processes that govern the Olubadan throne. The throne is not, and must never become, an extension of political contestation.

Furthermore, we urge all sons and daughters of Ibadanland, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to remain vigilant and committed to preserving the integrity, honor, and independence of this historic institution.

The Olubadan throne has endured through generations due to its strong foundation in tradition, fairness, and respect for hierarchy. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that it remains insulated from politics and continues to command the reverence it deserves.

Long live His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, ARUSA 1
Long live Ibadanland.
Long live the Olubadan throne.

Signed
Media Team
Oloye Abiola Arulogun
Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland
Oloye Abiola Iyiola
Are-Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland
Oloye Remi Babalola-Ogidi
Bada Balogun of Ibadanland

NB: The forum consists of all Traditional Chiefs who are in line of the Olubadan stool, from Abese Olubadan and Abese Balogun, down to Jagun Olubadan and Jagun Balogun.
Our aim is to always seek the progress and development of the town, the dignity, and honour of Ibadan traditional institution.

05/03/2026

20/02/2026

Lagelu (a.k.a. Oroo Apatamaja), a war-chief (Jagun Osun) from Dalegu compound,
Ajamapo area of oke Eso in Ile-Ife was the founder of Ibadan. He was the grandson of Orunto
(or Obalufe), the prime minister of Ile-Ife and Head of Ooni-in-council. His mother was the
daughter of Ooni Luwo Gbagida, the only female in Ife history who married Chief Obaloran, a
member of the council of Ooni of Ife (Chief (Dr.) M.A. Fabunmi, 1985).
(a) Benin Army Invaded Iddo Island
When he was still in Ife, a legend had it that he led Ife army as Jagun Osin to assist the
children of Olofin Ogunfunminire, the progenitor of the Awori’s with the king of Gbagura
referred to as Agura fought against the Benin army who invaded Iddo Island near Lagos founded
by the Aworis. The children were; Olumegbon, Oluwa, Onitona, Onitoolo, Elegusi, Aromire,
Olooto and Ojora. The Aromires later swam across the Lagoon to Lagos Island in the middle of
the 16th century for fishing and farming (Oluremi I. Obateru, 2006). They constituted the
“IDEJO” who are the traditional land owners and White Cap Chiefs in Lagos. When a
Portuguese expedition led by Ruy de Sequeira landed there, Eko was changed to Lagos in
1472A.D.
Thereafter, about the 16th century, during the Alaafin Onigbogi (1530-1542), Lagelu
“Oroo Apatamoja”; led a group of men and women and interested people out to found a new
settlement, known as EBA ODAN later known as Ibadan. According to Prince Adelegan
Adegbola in his book titled: “IFE: The Source of Yoruba civilization, 2009 page 136”. This was
at the interface of the forest and the savannah.

19/02/2026

Watch out for exciting and historical activities on Ibadan

19/02/2026

Aje ogungunniso

19/02/2026

Ibadan to the world