Tunji Oladejo
As Ibadanland prepares to crown His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, as its paramount ruler, a significant tribute awaits him: a lecture and a book, “Ibadan in History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,” covering over 400 pages, crafted specifically for this momentous occasion by Professor Toyin Falola. Falola, a worthy son of Ibadanland from Ode Aje, is the most cited historian in Africa, D.Litt. (Ib), Jacob & Sanger Chair of Humanities, University of Texas at Austin, the United States of America and Bobapitan of Ibadanland.
I had a glimpse into the book somehow yesterday, and this is what Kabiyesi wants in my meeting with him during the congratulatory call on him by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on Tuesday, 16 September, 2025 in his Bodija, Ibadan, residence.
The book published by the Pan-African University Press (Austin and Ibadan, 2025) is a compelling exploration of Ibadan’s rich cultural tapestry, poised to commemorate the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Arusa 1.
The book is thoughtfully divided into three parts:
– PART A: ITAN delves into Ibadan’s historical foundations, covering:
__Chapter 1: History and Mythology__: Unraveling Ibadan’s legendary origins.
__Chapter 2: The Past in the Present__: Examining historical continuities.
__Chapter 3: Scholars of Ibadan Origin__: Highlighting intellectual contributions.
__Chapter 4: Higher Institutions in Ibadan: The Role of academia in Ibadan’s growth.
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– PART B: ASA explores cultural expressions:
__Chapter 5: Fabu__: Insights into narrative traditions.
__Chapter 6: Ibadan in the World of Fictions__: Literary representations.
__Chapter 7: Stereotypes: Social Media and the Misrepresentations of Ibadan People__: Addressing modern-day portrayals.
__Chapter 8: Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Dauda Epo Akara__: Celebrating cultural icons.
– PART C: CONCLUSION culminates with:
__Chapter 9: Ibadan in The Era of Oba Ladoja__: Reflections on Ibadan under its new monarch.
This scholarly work is more than a coronation gift; it is a profound exploration of Ibadanland’s essence as a cultural epicentre, typifying Yoruba resilience, identity and transformation.
In the book, Falola says Ibadan stands as proof of Nigeria’s rich heritage, renowned for its dynamic urban evolution, deep historical roots and vibrant intellectual traditions. Once the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa during the 19th century, Ibadanland was a nexus of politics, trade and military prowess. Today, it remains a distinct megalopolis in Nigeria, pivotal in cultural, political and philosophical discourse.
The book delves into multifaceted dimensions of Ibadan, interweaving blending narratives with interpretative explorations; examining the city’s adaptive persistence in a global context, analysing Ibadan’s socio-economic structures and power dynamics and challenging singular perspectives on Ibadan’s identity.
Centered around leadership, this work celebrates Oba Ladoja, reflecting Ibadan’s nuanced negotiation of authority, cultural preservation and legitimacy amid evolving global landscapes. The coronation, thus, is not merely ceremonial but a continuum of Ibadan’s cultural and intellectual ethos.
Drawing from earlier seminal works like “The Political Economy of a Pre-Colonial African State: Ibadan, 1830–1900” (1984) and “Ibadan: Foundation, Growth and Change, 1830–1960_ (2012)”, the author expands analytical frontiers, positioning Ibadanland in history as a contemporary critical appraisal of Ibadanland’s past, present and enduring legacy.
To be presented as a singular gift to Oba Ladoja on his coronation, this book symbolises intellectual homage to Ibadanland’s storied past and scholarly celebration of its cultural zenith, promising to enrich discourse on Yoruba heritage and African narratives.
E ba mi se Kabiyesi fun, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Tunji Oladejo, JP, MNIPR, who writes from the University of Ibadan via oladejo65@gmail.com
08077284442 is the former Acting National Secretary (2003-2005), former National Public Relations Officer (2007-2009), Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Secretary of the First-ever Olubadan Coronation Lecture Committee scheduled as follows:
Topic: IBADAN IN HISTORY: ISSUES IN MODERNITY AND TRADITION
Lecturer: Professor Toyin Falola, D.Litt. (Ib), Jacob & Sanger Chair of Humanities, University of Texas at Austin, USA & Bobapitan of Ibadanland.
Date: Wednesday, 24 September, 2025
Time: 11.00 am
Venue: International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
