Ibadan will never experience religious war – Olubadan Ladoja pledges equal treatment for all faiths

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has firmly declared that he will accord fair and equal treatment to all religions in the ancient city, without prejudice, fear, or favour.

The monarch gave this assurance on Monday while receiving members of the traditional worshippers’ group, “Ajo Ose-meji Ile Ibadan,” led by the Araba and Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola, during an appreciation visit to his Oke Aremo palace.

According to a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the paramount ruler emphasized his role as the father of all residents, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

Oba Ladoja revealed that since his enthronement, he has deliberately associated with all faiths, attending Christian, Muslim, and African Traditional Worship activities to promote unity.

“I am the father of the people in Ibadanland and their various religions. I am convinced that there cannot be a religious war in Ibadanland as there is no family in Ibadan without adherents of the three principal religions,” the monarch declared.

He used the opportunity to charge all religious faithful in the state to accommodate one another peacefully, warning against discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and persecution, noting that peace is a prerequisite for meaningful development.

Looking ahead, Oba Ladoja promised the traditional worshippers that, by God’s grace, the Ose-meji festival will be celebrated in grand style next year. He assured them that dignitaries, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, government functionaries, and market leaders, will be invited to witness the cultural celebration.

Earlier in his address, the Araba and Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Chief Falere Odegbemi Odegbola, stated that the group visited the palace to express their profound gratitude for the monarch’s unwavering support during the recently concluded 2026 Ose-meji celebration.

The Araba, flanked by other Ifa priests, offered special prayers for the Olubadan, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Governor and his cabinet, lawmakers, judicial officers, and all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in the diaspora.

The high-profile visit was witnessed by top members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi; and the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade.

Also present were the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; and the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr) Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli.