The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has disclosed that far-reaching reforms are underway to address land grabbing and related disputes arising from the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project.
The monarch made this known on Sunday while speaking at a coronation luncheon organised by the Ibadan Foundation at the Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan, to celebrate his recent ascension to the throne.
Oba Ladoja said concerns over land acquisition and compensation along the Circular Road corridor had been brought directly to him by affected residents, noting that his palace became the first point of contact when protests erupted over the project.
According to him, the issues were promptly escalated to Governor Seyi Makinde, leading to decisive steps aimed at restoring order and confidence.
“We are confronted with serious land grabbing challenges. This is why we set up an anti-land grabbing committee. We are awaiting their report, but land reform is already underway,” the Olubadan said.
He explained that the palace had put structures in place to deal swiftly with security breaches within Ibadanland, stressing that traditional authority still plays a critical role in maintaining accountability at the community level.
“When we notice security breaches anywhere within our area of jurisdiction, we know who to call and who to hold responsible,” he added.
Clarifying the scope of his authority, Oba Ladoja stated that his jurisdiction remains clearly defined by law. He emphasized that he neither seeks nor claims authority beyond the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland as provided for under the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
“I do not want to be Olubadan of Yorubaland or Olubadan of Oyo State. I have a lot of work in my hands here in Ibadanland,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
The first-class monarch also announced the establishment of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, which he said has been tasked with recommending practical ways to revive moribund industries across Ibadan.
“We want closed industries to reopen for business. This is how we can create employment opportunities for our able-bodied youths and restore the economic vibrancy Ibadan was once known for,” he said.
Oba Ladoja reminded his audience that Ibadan’s history is built on courage, hard work and noble values, cautioning that such a legacy should inspire progress rather than complacency.
“We have inherited enviable records from our forefathers. This does not mean we should resign ourselves to fate,” he noted.
The event attracted prominent Ibadan indigenes and traditional figures, including Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola and leaders of the Iyalode group.
The Olubadan also referenced recent cultural milestones, recalling that when the Ooni of Ife conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engineer Dotun Sanusi, monarchs from across Oyo State attended in solidarity.
He added that the installation of Chief Mrs Latinwo as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua further reflected the collective pride of the Yoruba race.
The monarch assured residents that his reign would remain focused on stability, fairness and sustainable development, particularly as Ibadan navigates the social and economic implications of major infrastructure projects like the Circular Road.