The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has assured residents that all religions in Ibadanland will continue to receive equal and fair treatment without prejudice, fear, or favour.
This assurance was contained in a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, following an appreciation visit to the monarch at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday.
The visit was led by members of the “Ajo Ose-meji Ile Ibadan”, under the leadership of the Araba and Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola.
Oba Ladoja, while addressing the delegation, described himself as a father to all residents of Ibadanland irrespective of religious affiliation, noting that unity among faiths remains essential to peace and development.
“I am the father of the people in Ibadanland and their various religions,” the monarch was quoted as saying. He added that since his enthronement, he had participated in various religious gatherings, including Christian, Muslim, and traditional worship events.
According to him, religious harmony is natural in Ibadan society, stressing that interfaith conflict is unlikely due to the mixed religious composition of most families in the city.
“I am convinced that there cannot be religious war in Ibadanland as there is no family in Ibadan without adherents of the three principal religions,” he said.
The Olubadan urged religious leaders and adherents to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect, warning against discrimination, harassment, intimidation, victimisation, and persecution.
He also assured the traditional worshippers that the 2027 Ose-meji celebration would be held in grand style, adding that dignitaries, including traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, and market leaders, would be invited to participate.
Earlier in his remarks, Chief Odegbola said the visit was to express appreciation for the Olubadan’s support during the 2026 Ose-meji celebration. He also offered prayers for the Olubadan, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Governor of Oyo State, members of the executive, lawmakers, judicial officers, and residents of Ibadan and Oyo State.
Traditional worshippers present at the gathering also offered prayers for peace, stability, and progress across Ibadanland and the state.
Prominent members of the Olubadan-in-Council present at the event included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; and Ekarun Balogun, Oba (Barr.) Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli.
