Stakeholders in Ibadanland on Monday unveiled the Ibadan 4.0 vision, a strategic framework aimed at harnessing indigenous institutions, community initiatives, and knowledge systems to drive the city’s future development. The announcement was made at the 2026 Ibadan Conference held in honour of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashid Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, at Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo.
The conference, held on March 23, 2026, was themed “Ibadan: Remembering Our Past, Understanding Our Present, Designing Future,” and brought together traditional leaders, scholars, and prominent indigenes to deliberate on the development of the ancient city.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, introduced the concept of “Ibadan 4.0,” which he said began on September 26, 2025, with the ascension of Oba Ladoja to the throne.
Aibinu explained that the Ibadan 4.0 vision is anchored on indigenous institutions, community-driven initiatives, and knowledge systems, with active collaboration among the Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis, Baales, and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). He described the initiative as a pathway to building a “Greater Ibadan.”
He stressed the need for a transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, noting that modern development is no longer driven solely by large-scale industries. He also called for urban renewal through a review of the housing system, advocating a return to the traditional Agboole model to strengthen communal living.
The professor further urged the integration of the Mogaji Association into the broader development framework and emphasized the need to assign strategic roles to the CCII, which comprises over 100 affiliated clubs. He said each association must contribute meaningfully to Ibadan’s development based on its comparative advantage.
Aibinu also highlighted the importance of strengthening the cultural authority of the Olubadan-in-Council, adding that the coordination of Ibadan’s future development plans should rest with the CCII.
In his address as Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan described Ibadan as a city built on courage, leadership, order, and strong communal values, long before the emergence of modern development theories. He noted that the traditional Agboole system, strengthened by family bonds and guided by Mogajis and Baales, had sustained the city’s growth over time.
Adeduntan called on sons and daughters of Ibadanland to take responsibility for shaping the city’s future, particularly over the next 50 years. According to him, while the past laid a solid foundation, the present requires adaptation and the future demands clear vision and strategic planning.
He also commended the Olubadan for establishing the Olubadan Investment and Business Committee, describing it as a forward-looking initiative aimed at strategically positioning Ibadan’s economy. He said the platform would help define present realities and drive sustainable economic growth.
The event featured the presentation of outstanding awards to the Olubadan, Oba Rashid Adewolu Ladoja; Ambassador Florence Ajimobi; Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan; Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu; Otunba Oluseye Nathaniel Opatoki; and Otunba Saheed Bamiji Makinde.
The conference was attended by Mogajis, Baales, cultural enthusiasts, and sons and daughters of Ibadanland, all united in their commitment to preserving the city’s heritage while charting a sustainable path for its future.
