In response to the outbreak of Cholera in the Country, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Jagunmolu Olubadan of Ibadanland, has sponsored over 500 Oyo State market leaders, traders and artisans for a two-day workshop on Fire Safety and Cholera Awareness.
The press statement, released to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday evening after the event held at the prestigious Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort in Akanran, highlighted that the event was flagged off by the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Dr. Temitope Kolapo GLORIOUS, on Wednesday. The workshop featured Engr. Funmi Obisesan, President of the Funmi Obisesan Development and Empowerment Initiative (FODEI), and Sanitarian Popoola Rashidat, Director of Environment at Ona Ara Local Government, as key lecturers providing instructional materials.
The flag-off ceremony, which brought together market traders and artisans from across the state, was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State, represented by Alhaji Yisa Kolayode and Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, the leader of the Market women in Oyo State. The workshop lecturers emphasized the importance of water testing, chlorination, and hygiene practices in preventing cholera.
As a health and safety specialist, Engr. Obisesan explained that cholera is a highly contagious and deadly disease, making awareness and prevention crucial. She emphasized that community ownership of health is vital and that events like the chlorination exercise are essential for empowering individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Speaking at the event, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje appreciated Chief Dotun Sanusi, and stated that he has always make the market people happy and as such, they will always respond anytime he calls on them.
Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji YK. Abass, represented by Alhaji Yisa Kolayode, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Oyo State Market Traders and Artisans. He acknowledged Sanusi’s tireless efforts in supporting various community development projects and encouraged him to continue his good work, praying for divine intervention in his future ambitions.
Finally, the market leaders, traders and artisans’ stakeholders unanimously declared their unwavering support for Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi to run for Oyo State Governor in 2027
The ultra modern palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland will be officially commissioned on Wednesday, July 10 2024.
A statement from the office of the Publicity Secretary of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Kola Olomide, the body which spearheaded the completion of the construction of the Olubadan palace at Oke Aremo in Ibadan stated that the palace is ready for the use of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin.
“On behalf of the President General of the CCII, I have the honour and privilege to announce that all is set for the inauguration of the new palace. We thank everyone that has contributed to the success we are witnessing today. Most especially, the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE who is expected to be the Special Guest at honour at the historic event. All guests are requested to be on seat before 10 am.
Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee,Balogun Abdulgafar Ojetola has announced the commencement of this year Ibadan Week.
Balogun Ojetola in a statement in Ibadan said “the planning committee has considered it necessary to go ahead with some of the events which had been scheduled to hold in April before the unfortunate demise of late Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland”.
It would be recalled that the Committee shifted the programs of the 2024 Ibadan Week indefinitely after the demise of the late Olubadan. The event ought to have been held between April 14th and 20th.
According to Balogun Ojetola,” this time around, we are going to have staggered events which will kick off on Friday, May 31st with Talent hunts and Orekelewa brain and beauty pageant competition at Bode Amao hall,Ibadan house, Oke Aremo, Ibadan. This decision was arrived at after due consultation and approval of the Executives of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII. The program is expected to be declared open by the Chairperson of Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Chief Mrs Dotun Olaitan. Other eminent personalities expected to grace the occasion include a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Stanley Adedeji Odidiomo, Ibadan North West/ South West Federal Constituency, Dr Oladeji Salami a.k.a Dikko, the Chairman, Pacesetter Transport Services among others Other events to follow include Ibadan All Youth Day Symposium, Table Tennis and Ayo Olopan competitions on June 4,2024, Ibadan Conference, Stage Play and Golf Competition on June 14,2024.
A professional group, Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID), has expressed its solidarity with the Oyo State Government and unequivocally condemned the heinous invasion of the Governor’s office and the State House of Assembly by the criminal elements of Yoruba Nation agitators recently.
The group’s spokesperson, Barrister Ayotomiwa Adebayo, in a release described the agitators’ invasion of the Oyo State Government as an attack on democracy that directly undermines good governance and poses a threat to peace and security. This nefarious activity and criminality acts are unacceptable for any purpose and must be outrooted by the state.
The methods and practices of agitators, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of their motivation, are a treasonable felony capable of causing chaos in the state.
The group declares full solidarity with the Oyo Government and supports all measures taken to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to trial for acts of terrorism to preserve its security and stability. All security agencies are enjoined to work in harmony to prevent future attacks in the state.
OID further applauded His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde’s swift steps taken to nip the invasion in the bud and fully supported his call for the establishment of State Police to complement conventional security agents, as it has become imperative to surmount the insecurity challenges facing different parts of the nation.
Governor Makinde has made Oyo State an inclusive society that guarantees the principle of living together and a safe haven for the citizens to carry out their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation; therefore, any individuals or groups that are hell-bent on disrupting the democratic ecosystem enjoyed in the state will not succeed but meet their waterloo.
The release commended the brave and selfless actions of the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies, who, in the wake of the invasion, moved to quickly secure the areas and stop the invaders from carrying out their illegal activities.
“We urged the good people of Oyo State to remain together, be vigilant, and defend the democratic institutions that underpin our democracy principles and fundamental values across the country,” he stated.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has announced its decision to honour and decorate the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice I. S Yerima with the title Distinguished Fellow Award -DFA.
The announcement was made during the visitation of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Central Committee led by the Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola to the office of the State Chief Judge.
The CCII delegation were received by the Honourable Chief Judge, alongside Hon. Justice Olagunju, Hon. Justice (Mrs) Sule, Alhaja Oyediran, Chief Registrar, Mr Abiodun Adebisi; Assistant Chief Registrar & Mrs Olomide; Assistant Chief Registrar.
According to the Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, the visitation was under the instruction of Chief Barr. Niyi Ajewole, the President -General of Central Council of Ibadan, and part of the pre-activities of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration is to visit high personalities in the State and ensuring that no-one is left.
The Chairman outlined the various activities lined up for the week-long program of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival of which the Grand Finale is expected immediately after the new Olubadan coronation.
Part of the activities mapped out were Education Competitions from Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Higher Institutions, Sports competition between the eleven local governments of Ibadanland, Talent- Hunts, Ibadan Conference , Free Shopping, Ibadan Youths Day, Amala/ Indigenous Music Fiesta, Ibadan Conference and Ibadan Street Parade, Business Luncheon and winding the week down with the Grand Finale where series of well deserved awards will be bestowed on merit winners.
According to the Chairman, the grand finale will take place on a Saturday in May which will mark the end of the Cultural Festival and will hold at the Liberty Stadium where the Chief Judge and other distinguished personalities, including Ibadan sons and daughters and non-Ibadan will receive their various awards.
Among those penned down to be honoured includes Her Excellency, the Wife of the State Governor, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde (Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadanland), His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal (Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland. MOFI) among other important personalities.
In addition, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola acknowledged the support the State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde has been giving Ibadan land, and by extension the CCII and Ibadan Cultural Festival.
The Hon. Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima paid glowing tributes to the leadership of the CCII for bestowing the award on her personality and pledged her total support for the success of the Cultural Festival. She prayed that Ibadanland will continue to record more success, progress and development. The Chief Justice commended the State Governor on his unflinching support towards the newly completed Olubadan Palace, first of its kind in the South West of Nigeria. She commended the visiting team and the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadanland.
In the entourage of Balogun Gaphar Ojetola were Engr. Busari Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Ambassador Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal; Member CCII board of trustee & Chairperson Amala, Cultural & Historical Tours Sub. Committee, Mogaji Kunle Shodeinde; 1st Assistant Secretary-General, CCII & Chairman Market, Contact & Resource Mobilization Sub-committee, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain & Beauty Sub-committee, Dr. Iyabode Fadiora Alaga; Assistant Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Engr. Abiodun Bello; Member Business Luncheon Sub-committee, Mr Caleb Akande; CCII Treasurer, Alhaja Mrs Folasade Olayiwola; CCII Social Secretary & Chairperson Sports Sub-committee, Dr. Ademola Taiwo; CCII legal adviser, Mr Ademola Solalu; Co-chairman Media& Publicity Sub-committee, Mr Olugbade Bukunmi; Secretary Venue & Security Sub-committee, Mr Oladele Tokunbo; Member Historical, Cultural Tour & Entertainment Sub-committees, Mr “Kayode Ajani; Secretary Orekelewa Brain &Beauty Pageant & Member Media & Publicity Sub-committee.
Today, Tuesday 16th April, 2024, Ibadan Indigenes, under the leadership of Chief (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, President -General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes paid a visit to celebrate Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo on his 89th birth anniversary at his Molete residence.
According to Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola, the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee Chairman who led the delegation, he described Pa. Engineer Dr .Victor Omololu Olunloyo as a reservoir of knowledge, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Ibadanland, Nigeria and the world at large, earning a PHD at age 25 years, among others.
“Dr. Omololu Olunloyo is notably one of Africa’s most brilliant scholars, a forthright and highly cerebral Mathematician and a walking encyclopaedia whose uncommon vast historical knowledge on Ibadan, Yoruba, Africa and the whole world is second to none”
Part of the anniversary letter reads “As a public administrator per excellence, as an engineer by training and a world standard Mathematical Authority, it will also be noted of your impressive private studies and authority in Law. You are indeed a moving encyclopedia and a man of many parts.
“We recall how you intervened and resolved many critical Obaship litigations and legal bottlenecks with uncompromised legendary historical facts. The list is endless”
Dr. Olunloyo’s journey of service and excellence spans decades, marked by outstanding achievements in various spheres. As a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and later as the governor of the Old Oyo State, his leadership was characterized by vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the people.
During his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Olunloyo played a pivotal role in the development and governance of local communities, most especially seeing to the successful crowning of two prominent kings in Oyo State, the late Alaafin of Oyo & late Soun of Ogbomoso.
“You were appointed Commissioner for Economic Development for the Western Region in 1962 at the age of 27, in the cabinet of Dr. Moses Majekodunmi. You were also re-appointed when Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo was appointed military governor of Western State. That was another record unbroken”
“You were at one time or the other, Commissioner for Community Development, a two time Commissioner for Education ; Commissioner for Special Duties, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Oyo State which includes crowning of two of Nigeria’s monarchs namely the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and the Soun of Ogbomosho Oba Oyewunmi Ajagungbade”
As governor of the Old Oyo State, Dr. Olunloyo’s adminstration short but exceptional, left an indelible legacy of progress and transformation. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives aimed at infrastructure development, education reform, and economic empowerment. Under his leadership, significant strides were made in sectors crucial to the well-being of the people, solidifying his reputation as a leader of vision and action.
Beyond his political achievements, Dr. Olunloyo is also celebrated as a world-renowned mathematician, whose knowledge has contributed immensely to the field of mathematics. His intellect and passion for knowledge have earned him recognition and respect on the global stage, bringing pride and acclaim to Ibadanland.
“Your private Library remains one of the richest, if not the best in this part of the World where many Professors have made their point of reference in comparative studies and researches”
“Your mental alertness, irrespective of physical ageing is of immense quality and for this we appreciate God in your life”
Today, as Ibadan commemorate Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s 89th birth anniversary, we honor his exemplary life of service, leadership, and intellectual prowess, and for this reason, he has been scheduled to receive the highest Ibadan award, The Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene ( MDII) at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival which is to take place later in May.
Other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes delegation includes; Chief Mrs Simiat Adeleke Larodo, Dr. Monsurat Ayo Alaga; the Vice Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Engr. Musa Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Ambassador Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC, member CCII board of trustee and Chairperson Cultural & Historical Tour Sub-committee of 2024 Ibadan Festival Week, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain & Beauty Sub-committee, Engr. Abiodun Bello, Ajani Kayode; Secretary Orekelewa Brain & Beauty & Member Media Subcommittee. We wish Papa Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo a healthy longevity and massive wellness in abundance of happiness, joy and tranquility.
The Olubadan-in Council on Friday has approved Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland according to the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The meeting which was presided over by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasheed Ladoja has in attendance members of the Olubadan-in-council who are traditionally the Ibadan King makers.
Our reporter leant that the motion was moved by the most senior high chief in the Balogun line that’s presenting the Olubadan, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, the Osi Balogun, as the Otun Balogun was absent.
The Council will communicate their decision to the State Government for further confirmation and appointment.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barr. Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole on Friday, 16th March, 2024 organised lying in state ceremony as part of the burial rites for the departed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II at the ancient Mapo hall.
The function was attended by the Olubadan-in-council led by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Mogajis & Baales of Ibadanland, Indigenes& residents of Ibadanland.
Following the lying in state was torrent of glowing tributes by Ibadan sos and daughters while the late monarch was finally buried at Ali-iwo, his ancestral home. The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Bayo Lawal led government officials to the venue while the Chief Imam of Ibadanland led the islamic rite.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barrister Niyi Ajewole has described the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun as a great lost to the people of the ancient city.
According to the council, Kabiesi’s two years was purposeful, transformative most especially in the advancement of Ibadan land.
Read full statement below:
In Loving Memory: Olubadan Oba Senator Moshood Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Leadership and Unity
With profound sorrow but submission to the will of Allah, we, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII mourn the passing of our revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Moshood Lekan Balogun. Alli Okunmade II. Though his reign spanned a brief two years, the impact of his leadership resonates deeply within the hearts of all Ibadan indigenes.
Born on October 18, 1942, in the hallowed precincts of Ali-Iwo compound, Oba Senator Balogun’s ascent to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland marked the dawn of a new era filled with promise and hope. His brief yet illustrious reign was characterized by unwavering dedication to the welfare and progress of his people.
Despite the brevity of his tenure, Oba Senator Balogun’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the principles of unity, progress, and development left an indelible mark on the fabric of Ibadanland. His legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of leadership rooted in humility, wisdom, and compassion.
As we bid farewell to our beloved monarch, let us draw strength from his enduring legacy and rededicate ourselves to the noble ideals he championed. May his legacy continue to inspire us, guiding our actions and shaping the destiny of Ibadanland for generations to come.
E-signed,
Chief Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes CCII
The people of Ibadan land has been thrown into a moment of grief following the announcement of the passage of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Iand, Oba Dr. Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
The Kabiesi’s death was announced by the State Governor, Governor Oluseyi Makinde on Thursday, 14th March 2024, and to be buried on Friday, 25th March 2024 by 4pm according to the family.
The governor made this announcement in a statement on Thursday night, stating that Olubadan Balogun, joined his ancestors late Thursday evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Governor Makinde described Oba Dr. Balogun as an epitome of royal excellence and a great achiever, who made great marks on Ibadanland in just a little over two years of his reign.
He expressed his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praying to God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased monarch.
He said: “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Dr. Balogun has joined the ancestors.
“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.
“On behalf of the Government and good People of Oyo State, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Dr. Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”
