Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rights and entitlements of traditional rulers in the state, promising that they would be given their due recognition and benefits.
Governor Makinde made the pledge on Saturday at the grand finale of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, which was held at the historic Obafemi Awolowo Liberty Stadium in Oke Ado, Ibadan.
The governor disclosed that the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which had been dormant prior to his assumption of office in 2019, would soon be reconstituted. He assured that once this is done, traditional rulers across the state would begin to receive their rightful entitlements, including official vehicles.
“In response to concerns about the Olubadan of Ibadanland not having a befitting vehicle, I have directed all the 11 local government councils in Ibadanland to provide a fleet of vehicles worthy of his status before the end of May,” Makinde said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) for recognising Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, with an award at the event.
Speaking after receiving the award of “Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland,” Governor Diri lauded Governor Makinde for his outstanding leadership and people-centered governance.
“We are very elated to be honoured by the people of Ibadan,” Diri said. “Governor Makinde is clearly working for the people, and when good leaders rule, the people rejoice.”
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was represented by former Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, presented the award to Governor Diri. He said the honour was in recognition of Diri’s inclusive leadership and contributions to the welfare of Ibadan indigenes in Bayelsa State.
Also speaking at the event, Architect Bamidele Samson, Chairman of BOVAS Oil and Gas and chairman of the occasion, called on Ibadan people to preserve their cultural identity by promoting the Yoruba language, traditions, and religion.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Abiola Alli, Chairman of the Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and participants for their roles in the successful week-long cultural festival.
The President-General of CCII, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole, also commended Governor Makinde for his consistent support for Ibadan and Oyo State at large, and thanked Ibadan indigenes both at home and abroad for their support.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former First Lady, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; and Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Sikiru Sanda.
