By Tunji Oladejo
I received many calls, including Oba Rashidi Ladoja, through the First Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Professor Soji Adejumo, that the First-ever Olubadan Coronation Lecture Committee should summarise the 400-page Lecture by Professor Toyin Falola as published by the Pan-African University Press (Austin and Ibadan, 2025), by my own Wale Quadri. I did not even know that Wale, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, is the head of the Pan African University Press (Austin and Ibadan). It was Professor Falola who told me, “Omo yin Wale lo publish iwe naa fun Kabiyesi Ladoja.” Wale was close to me when he was in Nigeria. I am yet to call him about the book, but I am engaging the representative of the Press in Ibadan, as I am swamped with many things now.
This is my summary of the remarkable book and report of the event for greater understanding and communication as follows:
Ibadan, the ancient Yoruba city steeped in history and cultural richness, stands poised on the threshold of transformation. The coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan marks a crucial moment, as heralded by Professor Toyin Falola, D.Litt (Ib), the most cited historian in Africa, as a catalyst for modernisation.
Speaking at the impactful Olubadan Coronation lecture, “Ibadan in History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,” at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday, 24 September, Professor Falola underscored Oba Ladoja’s unique blend of political savvy, business acumen and statesmanship as tremendous assets steering Ibadan towards progress.
Ibadan’s storied legacy and global significance,
Professor Falola emphasised Ibadan’s indelible mark on Yorubaland’s politics, commerce and culture. From being a 19th-century hub of the palm oil trade with Europe to nurturing icons like the late Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ibadanland’s influence resonates regionally and globally. Markets like Oja’ba and Oje underscore Ibadanland’s commercial vibrancy, attracting international trade and nurturing affluence. Falola dismissed the notion that Ibadan indigenes neglect education, spotlighting luminaries as Ibadanland’s scholarly legacy.
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Falola flagged key imperatives for modernisation to include garbage collection, street cleaning, reviving tradition of tree planting seen in Ibadan’s past and embracing gradual modernisation while preserving cultural heritage like traditional attire, amala and language.
Oba Ladoja’s vision aspires to realise “Ibadan state”, with Professor Falola’s 400-page book outlining strategic steps.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, mni, fas, lauded Oba Ladoja’s ascension, highlighting the University of Ibadan’s 75+ year symbiosis with Ibadanland.
For community endorsement, the Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, Aware Mayegun of Ibadanland, praised Oba Ladoja as a bridge between tradition and progress.
At the event, Professor Falola received the “Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigene (MPII)” award from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), proof of his scholarly dedication.
Ibadanland’s trajectory under Oba Ladoja is promising, blending the revered tradition with urgent modernisation needs.
As Professor Falola articulated, Ibadan’s past informs its future; a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation beckons.
With relevant stakeholders aligning efforts, Ibadanland would chart renewed progress, unity and development under Kabiyesi Ladoja.
You can get your copy of Falola’s book in my office, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House), University of Ibadan, as from Monday.
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.
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.
