Ladoja’s reign as Olubadan will spur economic growth in Oyo, says Toyin Falola

Toyin Falola, a famed historian, says Rashidi Ladoja’s reign as Olubadan is expected to usher in economic growth and social renewal across Ibadan and Oyo state.

Speaking on Wednesday at the first Olubadan coronation lecture in honour of Ladoja, the monarch-designate, Falola said the former governor’s pedigree as a statesman and businessman uniquely positions him to fuse tradition with modernity.

“Though he is not the governor, the expectations of the people of Ibadan and the state are high because he has the power to influence things to be achievable,” he said at the lecture held in the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan.

Falola, whose lecture drew from his book ‘Ibadan History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity’, described the Olubadan stool as central to the city’s identity, resilience and continuity.

He added that the city’s diverse identity has fostered resilience despite occasional disagreements.

The academic highlighted Ibadan’s long history of religious coexistence among Christians, Muslims and Isese adherents, noting that the city’s diversity has fostered resilience despite occasional disagreements.

On the political front, he recalled the roles of Obafemi Awolowo, S.L. Akintola and Adegoke Adelabu in shaping Yoruba and national politics, while crediting Ladoja with giving Ibadan “a voice at the federal level”.

“The Olúbàdàn is more than a ceremonial leader,” he said.

“He is a custodian of traditional memories. Western education, political parties and technology may have reshaped the institution, but its authority is still felt at festivals, community events and collective decision-making.”

Amidu Sani, chair of the coronation lecture committee, said the event was designed to highlight Ibadan’s intellectual depth and dispel negative perceptions about its people.

Bayo Oyero, chair of the coronation committee, said the session would help shape the city’s strategic direction under Ladoja’s leadership.

Some Ibadan high chiefs, academics, and other stakeholders attended the event.