The Senior Adviser to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Adeola Oloko, has described the responsibilities of the Olubadan as more demanding than those of a state governor, while outlining reforms and economic initiatives being pursued by Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, one year into his reign.
Oloko, who spoke with Ibadan City Announcer reporters on Saturday, said his relationship with Oba Ladoja dates back to before the monarch became governor of Oyo State in 2003.
According to him, one of Ladoja’s enduring qualities is his ability to maintain longstanding relationships with people he considers dependable.
“Kabiyesi doesn’t do away with people he finds reliable, irrespective of years of being together,” Oloko said.
Asked about the difference between Ladoja’s years as governor and his current position as Olubadan, Oloko said the two offices carry significantly different responsibilities.
He explained that while a governor is elected to administer an entire state for a constitutionally defined period, a traditional ruler occupies a different institution and serves his community throughout his lifetime.
Oloko noted that Ibadanland comprises 11 local government areas and covers a vast geographical area, making the responsibilities attached to the Olubadan stool extensive.
“You can be removed as a governor, or your tenure ends after eight years, but as a king, you remain a king till God calls you home,” he said.
Oloko further argued that the Olubadan’s office could be busier than that of a governor because residents frequently bring personal and community disputes directly to the palace.
According to him, people facing land grabbing, property disputes and other forms of alleged oppression often approach the Olubadan for intervention.
He said the monarch maintains an open-door approach that allows residents to bring their concerns to the palace.
By comparison, Oloko said a governor works through an established administrative structure comprising ministries, commissioners, local government officials, lawmakers and other public officers who handle various responsibilities on behalf of the government.
He added that Ladoja’s previous experience in public service, politics and business has provided additional exposure which he now brings to his responsibilities as Olubadan.
Speaking on Oba Ladoja’s first anniversary on the throne, which was marked in the monarch’s absence, Oloko said the Olubadan does not favour elaborate celebrations.
He said that despite what he described as developments recorded during the monarch’s first year, Ladoja preferred a modest commemoration.
According to Oloko, the monarch had already identified areas where he wanted to make changes within Ibadan’s traditional institution before ascending the throne.
“Baba told us he wanted to carry out reforms in traditional institutions,” he said.
Oloko cited changes in the administration of the palace, including the appointment of a Director-General, as part of efforts to introduce a more structured system into the traditional institution.
He said the monarch has also sought to bring experienced and highly educated individuals into the administration of the palace.
Oloko said another area receiving attention under Ladoja is the process through which individuals are considered for traditional chieftaincy titles.
According to him, the Olubadan places emphasis on an individual’s contribution to his or her community rather than financial capacity alone.
“Kabiyesi doesn’t just give out chieftaincy titles because the aspirant brings money,” Oloko said.
“Baba will ask instead what the person has done for their community, how many boreholes he has built, how many children he is sponsoring for education or skill acquisition down to who he is within his own family.”
He said the approach is intended to ensure that traditional titles recognise individuals who have demonstrated service and responsibility within their communities.
Oloko also highlighted the establishment of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, saying the monarch was drawing on his experience as a former governor and businessman to promote economic development in Ibadan.
According to him, the committee comprises experienced business leaders tasked with exploring ways of attracting investment and reviving some of Ibadan’s dormant industries.
“Baba just set up the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee and nominated tested and trusted people in business to revive dead businesses in Ibadan, for example, textile factories, Ferodo, and others still in progress,” he said.
Oloko said the initiative is part of a broader effort to stimulate business activity and create economic opportunities across Ibadanland.
He also pointed to increasing commercial activity and migration into Ibadan as indications of the city’s changing economic landscape.
Oloko further claimed that following the departure of ShopRite from its former location in Ibadan, the monarch played a role in attracting Chinese businesses to the space, which he said is now occupied by traders and patronised by residents.
Looking beyond the Olubadan’s first year on the throne, Oloko expressed optimism that further initiatives would emerge as the reign progresses.
He urged residents to remain hopeful about Ibadan’s future, saying the initiatives recorded so far represented only the beginning of the monarch’s plans.
“We haven’t seen anything yet,” Oloko said, predicting that the coming years would, “by God’s grace, be prosperous and glorious.”
