Culture

Olubadan of Ibadanland Says His Rise Was Divine

Published

11 months ago

October 15, 2025

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, says his ascension to the throne was by divine will, not wealth, as he pledges to promote peace and growth

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said that his emergence as the 44th Olubadan was through divine intervention, not financial power or political influence.

Also read: Olubadan Coronation Elevates Ladoja as Symbol of Legacy

The monarch made this known on Tuesday when he received the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Leenknegt, at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja stated that his position as Olubadan was destined by God, emphasising that longevity, not wealth, determines who ascends the throne in Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy system.

“My ascension to the throne of Ibadanland is divine,” he said. “It is not the Ifa oracle that chooses an Oba for Ibadan, nor is it money that determines the selection. It is long life granted by God.”

He stressed that his foremost duty as monarch is to protect and serve all residents of Ibadanland regardless of tribe, faith, or political affiliation.

Oba Ladoja also addressed issues affecting the youth, particularly unemployment and drug abuse, describing them as major threats to peace and progress.

“Peace cannot exist without stomach infrastructure,” he remarked. “When our youth are gainfully employed, the menace of drug addiction threatening the future of our city will decline.”

The Olubadan commended Belgium’s interest in agricultural partnerships with Ibadan, highlighting the city’s vast resources and openness to sustainable investments.

“Ibadan has enormous agricultural potential and mineral wealth. We are open to partnerships that can transform the city and sustain our legacy as the Pacesetter,” he said.

In his remarks, Ambassador Leenknegt disclosed that cocoa had overtaken crude oil as Nigeria’s main export to Belgium, noting that the shift would improve farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen bilateral trade.

“Since 2024, cocoa has become Nigeria’s leading export to Belgium,” he said. “This development signifies growth for Nigerian farmers and a deepening of our economic relations.”

Later in the day, Oba Ladoja also received the Olofin of Isheri, Oba Ibrahim Bello, who praised his leadership and urged traditional rulers to uphold integrity and discipline in their conduct.

Also read: Tinubu Hails Traditional Institutions at Olubadan Coronation

The visit was attended by members of the Olubadan Advisory Council and other traditional titleholders.

Up Next

Idanre Hill Set for Major Tourism Revival

Don't Miss

Ooni of Ife Praises Ola Awakan’s Tourism Appointment

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”