The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, has urged all sons and daughters of Ibadan to unite in supporting the creation of Ibadan State, stating that it is a long standing aspiration towards ensuring political recognition and accelerated development for the ancient city.
Commissioner Olatunbosun disclosed this at the 2025 edition of the annual Ibadan Week, which kicked off in grand style on Tuesday.
This was as dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and indigenes gathered at Awotan in Ido Local Government Area to pay homage to the legendary founder of Ibadan, Lagelu.
The event began with a symbolic visit to the sacred tomb of Lagelu, known as the Ojubo, setting a cultural tone for the week-long celebration of Ibadan’s rich heritage.
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The Commissioner, while declaring the week open, voiced strong concerns about the encroachment on Lagelu’s ancestral land, revealing that illegal developments have left barely any space of the originally allotted 12 acres.
Olatunbosun said: “Out of 12 acres, it is now difficult to find even a full plot available.
“This is unacceptable and a disservice to the legacy of intelligent Ibadan sons and daughters.”
He proposed the transformation of the Ojubo site into a major cultural and tourist attraction, which, according to him, would not only protect the sacred ground, but also boost the local economy and promote global recognition of Ibadan’s historical significance.
According to him, the week will feature various cultural displays, lectures, and exhibitions, all centred on celebrating the spirit, unity, and legacy of Ibadan.
Earlier in his remarks, His Royal Majesty, the Alawotan of Awotan, Oba Dauda Omotosho, praised the 2025 Ibadan Week Planning Committee for including the historic Lagelu Tomb in this year’s celebration programme.
Omotosho expressed full support to reclaim the land on which the tomb stands, emphasising its cultural significance.
The monarch also urged all Ibadan Indigenes to represent the values and heritage of Ibadan positively wherever they find themselves.
Speaking at the event, the President of the 2025 Ibadan Week Planning Committee, Alhaji Abiola Alli, advised writers and historians to engage directly with individuals for credible historical accounts.
Alli concluded with a strong message on land use, urging: “Ibadan land should not be sold but leased in a bid to preserve the heritage and integrity of the land for future generations.”
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