Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives APRNMN shines at the Ibadan Cultural Festival programs, proud to celebrate and associate with Ibadanland

The Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria APRNMN, Oyo State Branch dominated this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival activities with their remarkable presence at the Amala/Fuji Festivals and the elaborate Grand Finale. Prior to the final rounds of this year’s Cultural Festival activities, the association had participated actively in the Final rounds of the Orekelewa Brain and Beauty Pageant, Ibadan Got Talent, Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun Stage Play as well as the Education competition finals.
Speaking on behalf of the association, the Secretary General , Mrs Janet Fatunmbi remarked that Ibadan has provided remarkable opportunities for all the members of the association either during their training years as student nurses in various colleges of nursing domiciled in Ibadanland or practicing as professional qualified nurses at various health institutions spread across Ibadanland till they all retired from active services.
Mrs Fatunmbi further affirmed that Ibadan has become their home after the majority of their members were either married to Ibadan people or settled down in Ibadanland. Ibadanland continues to prosper all her dwellers as per her panegyric “Ibadan ti n gbe onile ti ko gbagbe alejo”. At the interview, the Secretary General who along with the almost fifty representatives appeared in the Amala Ankara uniforms reiterated the association’s commitment to always associate with the progressive activities of Ibadanland.
Mrs Bolanle Tomori, another leader of the association when interviewed expressed her joy at the many progress being recorded by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and by extension, the Ibadan people. She recalled the presence of the association at the recent commissioning of the Aafin Olubadan Ile Ibadan as well as during the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1. She prayed that Ibadanland will continue to progress steadily.
Another member of the APRNMN who granted this interview was Dr. Mrs. Yemisi Ladi-Bhadmus who congratulates the President General and the members of the CCII particularly the Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola who also doubles as the Chairman of the Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter for the highly successful and landmark Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration, which has been affirmed as incomparable to any other cultural festival activities in history.
The association were represented at the various programs by Mrs Bolanle Ajuwon (Social Secretary), Mrs Rukayat Afonja, Mrs Akinleye, Chief Akintunde Oyedeji, Mrs Olawepo, Alhaja Hammed, Mrs Sola Adeyemo, Mrs Ikotun Adeyemo, Chief Mrs Afenkhena, Mrs Oluyemisi Makinde Adebo, Mrs Soji Adeneye, Prophetess Kayode, Mrs Olukemi Komolafe and Alhaja Adijat Omotunde Lawal.
Others are Chief Mrs Odegoke (PRO) Alhaja Moromoke Adeyemi (Assistant Secretary), Alhaja Olutooyin Ariwoola, Mrs Kehinde Oyediji, Mrs Ogungbade, Mrs Adeleye Olona, Mrs Adeniji Ibironke Olayinka, Alhaja Kudirat Aderibigbe, Mrs Akinjide, Deaconess Aderounmu, Mrs Akindele, Alhaja Basirat Giwa, Dr. Mrs Adenike Koseganlola Kadri and Princess Ogunwomoju.
The immediate past Chairman, Mrs Hannah Motilola Agboola who is out of the country sent in messages of felicitation and congratulates her successor, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola for a great and remarkable achievement he made for his birthplace.
The Vice Chairman, Mrs Olufunke Okediran also registered her felicitations with the Chairman, Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
The APRNMN is a registered body of retired professional Nurses and Midwives who either had their trainings in Oyo State Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery or who had their employment years with the Oyo State government with their Secretariat in Ibadan.

Crown of honour: Ladoja an hero of Cultural Preservation ~ ‘Kayode Ajani

In an historic and iconic move that further reiterate his dedication to the peace and cultural heritage of Ibadanland, Baba Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has agreed to wear the ceremonial beaded crown. This decision, made with the utmost regard for the unity and stability of our ancient city, is an indication to his commitment to preserving the traditions and customs that define the illustrious history of Ibadan.

Baba Ladoja, a revered leader and former Governor of Oyo State, has consistently demonstrated a deep-seated passion for cultural preservation and communal harmony. His agreement to wear the beaded crown though a mere ceremonial act but significant gesture aimed at ensuring the seamless succession to the Olubadan stool, thereby averting any potential disputes or disruptions that could arise.

The Olubadan stool, a symbol of the rich heritage and authority in Ibadanland, has always been revered and respected. However, in recent years, the succession process has been marred by controversies and disagreements that threatened the peace of the land. Baba Ladoja’s acceptance of the beaded crown is a strategic move to uphold the sanctity of this age-old institution and to foster an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.

By taking this step, Baba Ladoja has once again emerged as a symbol of hope and a unifying force within Ibadanland. His actions resonate deeply with the values of our ancestors, reflecting a profound understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the Olubadan stool. This decision is poised to set a precedent for future generations, illustrating the importance of prioritizing the greater good over personal or political gains.
In an era where modernization often poses challenges to cultural preservation, Baba Ladoja’s decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing and preserving our traditions.

Baba Ladoja’s willingness to wear the ceremonial crown is a shoe of his respect for the customs and traditions that have shaped the city for centuries. It is a clear indication of his resolve to ensure that the essence of Ibadan’s heritage remains intact, even as the world around us continues to evolve.

Finally, onee of the most significant aspects of Baba Ladoja’s decision is its potential to ensure a seamless succession to the Olubadan stool. The history of Ibadan is stories of valor, wisdom, and leadership, by agreeing to wear the beaded crown, Baba Ladoja is paving the way for a smooth transition of power, thus safeguarding the continuity and stability of our traditional institution. Baba should be commended for this great move, and shouldn’t be seen as bowing to pressure.

‘Kayode Ajani writes from Ibadan.
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ajanikayode2@gmail.com

CCII decorates Chief (mrs) Bolupe Aminat Aramide as Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigenes

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in line with the activities of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival has awarded and decorated Chief (Mrs.) Bolupe Aminat Aramide with the prestige title Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigenes.
The decoration took place last week Thursday, 25th July 2024 at Ilaji Hotel & Resorts during the Business Luncheon, one of the major activities in the recently concluded cultural festival.
While presenting the award, the President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole stated that the award is in recognition of her contribution to human and community development both home and abroad.

Chief (Mrs.) Bolupe Aminat Aramide is the CEO of Boldan Commercial with object of International Money transfer, importer and exporter of luxury goods and general merchandise. She is also CEO of Boldan management training.
Furthermore, she was installed as Bada Iyalode of Ibadanland by his HRM Oba Salihu Akanmu Adetunji, Ajeogungunniso 1. In August 2017, she was appointed as the General Ambassador in Europe by Central Council of Ibadan indigenes (CCII).


Chief (Mrs.) Bolupe Aramide is also a celebrated philanthropist who has improved the lives of people through her foundation known as ‘BOLDAN Charity Foundations’ through award of scholarships to indigent students.
Chief (Mrs.) Bolupe Aminat Aramide is currently the Grand Matron of Ibadan Rubber Footwears and National Matron Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE) Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter.

Ibadan Cultural Festival: Ibadan Vanguard Sisters Felicitates Olubadan, CCII, Ibadanland

The Ibadan Vanguard Sisters under the leadership of Dr. Ayo Monsurat Alaga, the Ajia Iyalode of Ibadanland has felicitated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin 1 on the successful completion of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival Week.

“On behalf of the Ibadan Vanguard Sisters, I congratulate our Kabiesi, his Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin 1, the President -General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola on success recorded in this year’s festival”

“This year’s festival will go down in history as one of the best in history, and this is made possible through the quality leadership provided by the CCII administration led by Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, we at Ibadan Vanguard Sisters recognise your efforts and commitment to the development of Ibadanland”

The Vanguard Sisters also applauded the Governor Makinde for his tremendous contribution towards the completion of the Olubadan Modern palace, and equally felicitate with him on the award given to Her Excellency, Engr. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.

“We appreciate our pillars of support Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli – Grand patron; Alhaja Khadijat Lajide- Grand matron; Oloye Abiola Arulogun – Royal Mentor; Olori Erelu Adetutu Adedipe Adebowale – Mayoress; Hon. Waheed Akanbi Biiro- Mayor; Alhaji Kabir Olasupo – Peace Ambassador; Hon. Benedict Akika – Pathfinder and other notable pillars of support, we appreciate you all”

Balogun Gaphar Ojetola appreciates Olubadan, Makinde, First Lady, Deputy Governor, Ibadanland in general

It all ended in praise…..Praise the Lord

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” —Marcel Proust

Yes, you made us happy and you made our souls blossom.

That this year 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival has come and ended in glory is enough reason to show gratitude to God almighty and everyone who has participated and, or contributed to the success story. You are all the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

To His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE, DSC, GSSRS and the First Lady, Engineer Olufunke Tamunominini Makinde who was conferred with the Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadanland, MOWI and His Excellency , the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Barrister AbdRaheem Adebayo Lawal, who was also conferred with the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland, MOFI during the Grand Finale at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium has become a landmark history making in any Ibadan Cultural Festival anniversary ever experienced. To God be the glory.

To our Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 , and the Olubadan -in – Council, the Iyalode in Council, the Mogajis, Baales and all the Senior Chiefs, we thank you all.


Particular mention must be made of His Excellency, the Former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja whose sponsorship of some of our programs as well as his physical attendance and participation at this year’s festival was highly remarkable. K’eepe O Baba
To Her Excellency, wife of the former Governor, Chief Mrs Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture and Special Guest of Honour of the events whose singular efforts contributed immensely to the success story of this year’s celebration, I will forever remain grateful and on behalf of us all, I say Thank you Ma. A yoo maa ri yin ba O. Ase
To His Eminence, Alhaji Chief Dawood Makanjuola Akinola De-Damak, Aare of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Aare of Ibadanland and Grand Commander of Ibadan Culture GCIC whose generous donation of an 18 Seater Bus and huge cash donation towards the success of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival is commendable and much appreciated.
The Jagun Olubadan, Apesin Ola, Sir Chief ‘Dotun Sanusi , Chairman and CEO Ilaji Hotels and Resorts supported us with the use of the entire Ilaji Facilities for this year’s Sports Finals and the Business Luncheon programs. We can not quantify these wholesome package in monetary value. Thank you Sir and God will continue to elevate you.
I must not forget to mention the uncommon support received from the Chairman, Solution FM and the Aare Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke FCA whose physical appearances as well as huge monetary supports has helped tremendously in setting the bar higher for this year’s Cultural Festival. Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, E se pupo, A dupe O.
The President, Ibadan Descendants Union USA, who is also the Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland did not only led a powerful tream from the USA, he also attracted big support as well as his physical presence in virtually all our programs, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, K’ara O le O.
To all our worthy and deserving Awardees from Grand Ambassadors of Ibadan Culture to the Fellowship awardees, through Business Luncheon to the Merit awards at the Grand Finale, we congratulate you for being considered to be so celebrated and honored by Ibadanland. Congratulations to you all.
To the Baba-lojas, Mama Lojas, the Warlord Families, all affiliate clubs and associations home and abroad, we congratulate you all for taking ownership of the whole event as the hosting authority. Congratulations and thank you all.

The degree of media coverage we enjoyed at this year’s events is massive and phenomenon. We thank all the media houses in Ibadanland and beyond. God bless you all.

To our individual sponsors as well as corporate partners, we remain indebted to you and pray that our relationship will blossom into permanent investment that will be beneficial to both sides.
I must not fail to honour our religious leaders and particularly His Eminence, Prelate Sunday Ola Makinde whose fatherly support can not be over emphasised. E se pupo Baba. E.ma pe fun wa O.
To all the Past President Generals and members of the BoT CCII , thank you for being there always for us.

To all the members of this year Planning Committee whose labour, dedication, commitment and financial support can only be imagined, I owe you a lot and pray that God almighty will compensate you beyond any human expectations.

To the Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole CCII EXCO led administration for believing in our capacity and strength, we appreciate and congratulate you on this achievement.
Permit me however to register my profound gratitude to this man I call ‘President General Oloriire’ for supporting me throughout on the assignment which he gave me for without such immense support we couldn’t have recorded this massive success story. My PG Sir, E se pupo. A dupe O. Olorun yoo maa ran Eyin naa l’owo. Aamin

For all that you have committed to the success of this year Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration, please accept our gratitude and we pray for God abundance mercy on us and on Ibadanland.

Lastly, had my wife and children refused to release me for the service of my fatherland, how would I have the opportunity to play this little role. Kikelomo Ajike , Asaaju Iyalode of Ojeniranland and my beautiful children, Ibadanland appreciate you all. Thank you

To God almighty once again. E se O Baba.

E se pupo, A dupe O.

Balogun Gaphar Ojetola
Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival

Just before we start, let us pray

Oh Lord our creator, we come before you this day with praises and gratitude for taking us this far in our planning for celebration of our birthplace, Ibadanland. Thank you Oh Lord.
We beseech your name in all that we do and we commit ourselves and families under your protection. We pray that you take absolute control of the entire week so that we return all glory to you at the end of this year Ibadan Cultural Festival.
We appreciate our governor and the First Lady, His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE, DSC, GSSRS and Her Excellency, Engineer Oluwakemi Tamunominini Makinde for all their support on the program and for all other developments in Ibadanland. May the good Lord continue to guide them, Amen .

We congratulate and felicitate with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 and pray that his reign is peaceful and blissful for all of us. Amen

On behalf of the entire 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, I congratulate the President General CCII, Alhaji Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole and the entire Executive council CCII for all their support for this committee since inception.

Lastly, our immense thanks and gratitude goes to all our fantastic donors and sponsors and we pray their blessings shall never diminish. God will continue to increase them in blessings. Ibadan is grateful.

From all of us at the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, we say a big thank you as we celebrate this year Cultural heritage of Ibadanland as we commence with Amala/Fuji Festivals today.

Ile Ibadan yoo gbe Gbogbo wa O. Aamin

God bless Ibadanland
God bless Oyo State
God bless Nigeria.

Balogun Gaphar Ojetola
Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.

CCII Visits Olubadan, Receives Royal Blessing in Continuation of Ibadan Week


Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Monday paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin in continuation of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival.


“In his message, the Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola delivered the congratulatory messages on behalf of the President General CCII, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole and his executives and informed the Kabiyesi that the President General was on another Ibadan assignment to the UK.

He said the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee were paying homage to Kabiyesi on behalf of the President General CCII and the entire Executive Council.

Following the presentation of the final program of events to the Kabiyesi, Balogun Ojetola also register appreciation on behalf of the President General and the entire Ibadan people to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun MAKINDE FNSE, DSC, GSSRS for his achievement on the recently commissioned Aafin Ile Ibadan.

He reiterated the commitment of the President General CCII to mobilise His Imperial Majesty to the new palace immediately on his return to the country.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 praised almighty God for the uncommon mercy God has bestowed on him. He also thanked His Excellency the Executive Governor for his love and support for Ibadanland in general. The Kabiyesi praised the Ajewole led executive council for their uncommon passion and the mission to place Ibadanland in its right leadership position.

Kabiyesi expressly blessed the visiting 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee members and pledged to support and participate actively in the programs of Ibadan Cultural Festival.

Prince Sunmbo Olakulehin gave the votes of thanks before the visiting team were given a generous reception.

Abegbo Lawal felicitates new Olubadan Oba Owolabi commend High Chief Rasheed Ladoja

Chief Mrs Abegbo Lawal on behalf of no woman no Nation Renewed Hope has felicitated the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin 1, on becoming the substantive 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Mrs Lawal in her congratulatory message on behalf of her group also commend High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan for his brilliancy and vibrancy on issues that affect Ibadan land.

“On behalf of no woman no Nation Renewed Hope, we rejoice with the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin 1, and pray for a successful reign for Kabiesi.”We equally acknowledged and appreciated our father, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasheed Ladoja for his steadfastness, uprightness, brilliancy and vibrancy when it comes to issues that affect Ibadanland, we are proud to have him as our father, and pray to God to continue to speare his life for good things”

Oba Olakulehin crowned 43rd Olubadan

The Governor of of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde has presented staff and instruments of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1.

Makinde, made the presentation on Friday, July 12, during a ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

Makinde, while making the presentation, said: “They said they want to sabotage, they want to sabotage, we are here today at Mapo Hall.“I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State by the virtue of power conferred on me, hereby present the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland”

Dignitaries presents includes the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Minister for Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Gov. of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Oni of Ife among others.

All Hail the King, a New Sheriff in Town ~ ‘Kayode Ajani

As we officially witness the installation and coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, I join all sons and daughters of Ibadanland, including the residents of this ancient city, in celebration.

Ibadan is renowned for its unique chieftaincy system, which has made succession to the throne a stress-free process, contributing significantly to the relative peace in our land. Undoubtedly, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin’s ascension comes with its own challenges, which I have previously referred to as human factors. Now, before Kabiesi is the developmental agenda of Ibadanland (Ile-badan).

It is essential for my readers to understand that Ibadan is not just an ordinary city; it is a megalopolis. This literally means ‘Ile-badan,’ a city consisting of many smaller cities, and most importantly, a city without end—one city encompassing of 63 towns and 3,089 villages.

Oba Owolabi is a successful businessman and an accomplished military war veteran who served in the Nigerian Army and fought in the Second World War. He is also a notable public administrator, having won the Federal House of Representatives election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the aborted Third Republic.

Kabiesi became Mogaji in 1983 and climbed the ascension ladder in 1986 as Jagun Balogun, spending 38 years in royal learning through the ascension ladder. As I have highlighted in various radio interviews, the 38 years Kabiesi spent climbing the ladder is a notable tradition of royal learning. He has been entrusted with numerous royal responsibilities, preparing him well for this significant role. While age might pose a slight challenge, Kabiesi’s years of royal learning and the support of various administrative arms derived from the Olubadan will ease his responsibilities.

It is also noteworthy that Kabiesi understands how these administrative arms work. He has been a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Council of Ibadan Mogajis, and has been involved in the activities of the Council of Baales, despite not being a formal member. His deep involvement in these administrative arms over the years shows that he is not an outsider; he is well-prepared to deliver, especially with the support of these bodies.

As an indigene, I have my reservations about the long road to the throne. However, the beauty of this system, which seems to be forgotten, is that it allows a son of ‘nobody’ who is industrious to become the Olubadan. In Ibadan, all families are royal families, making us all Princes and Princesses.

In this new dispensation, I look forward to the Olubadan, with the cooperation of the Olubadan-in-Council and traditional stakeholders, including the State Government, reviewing the elevation of High Chiefs to Obas, thereby resolving all controversies surrounding the matter.

Our expectations are high for the new Olubadan, and I believe it is the duty of all sons and daughters, including the residents, to support His Majesty as he ascends the throne of our ancestors.

Long live the King.

‘Kayode Ajani is an Indigene of Ibadan and writes from Mapo hill.
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