As part of activities marking his upcoming 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has launched an ambitious initiative tagged “Toilets in Agbole” aimed at eradicating open defecation across traditional homesteads in Ibadan.
The project was formally introduced at a meeting with all Mogajis (family heads) held on Saturday at the Old Olubadan Palace, Oja Oba, Ibadan. Represented by Prince Folaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, the monarch expressed deep concern over the high level of open defecation in Ibadanland, urging Mogajis to lead efforts in constructing toilets within their family compounds.
“Health is wealth. For the residents of Ibadanland to lead healthy lives, a hygienic and clean environment through proper disposal of human waste must be prioritized,” the Olubadan stated.
The initiative aligns with the Oyo State Government’s goal of achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2028. Project Coordinator, Mr. Toye Arulogun, disclosed that Oyo State ranks third in Nigeria in terms of open defecation prevalence, with Ibadan topping the chart within the state — a trend the palace seeks to reverse with this project.
Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), Alhaji Waheed Hassan Babalola Afobaje, delivered a sensitization session at the meeting, emphasizing the health dangers of poor sanitation. He pledged RUWASSA’s full technical support for the Olubadan’s initiative, including the supply of affordable construction materials and sustainability mechanisms for the toilet facilities.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the Association of Mogajis of Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, lauded the initiative as a commendable step towards community development. He assured the Olubadan that all Mogajis would actively support and implement the project as a birthday gift to the revered monarch.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Olubadan’s Office, the Ibadan Mogajis Executive Committee, UNICEF, RUWASSA, partnering agencies, and the media.
Celebrations marking the Olubadan’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary are scheduled for July 2025, with detailed activities to be announced in due course.
E-Signed:
Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga
Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
