Ibadan, ‘A running splash of rust and gold, scattered among seven hills, in the words of famous poet, John Pepper Clark, is unique in many ways and full of historical, socio-cultural and economic activities. Among them is the Ibadan Cultural Festival, tagged; Ibadan Day, an annual cultural tourism event organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Indigeneous Council CCII is an umbrella body for all the socio-cultural societies/ clubs of Ibadan extraction both at home and in the Diaspora.
One of the main objectives for its formation is to provide a forum for the coordination and harmonisation of the development efforts of the constituent societies towards the promotion of economic, social, education and cultural interest of Ibadanland, with a view to achieving the fullest measure of effectiveness. Historically, in the ‘Ilu Ogunmola, Olodogbo keri logun’, the need for the formation of the organisation was conceived by the coming together of three prominent socio-cultural societies: Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU), Lagelu ‘1 Club, and Ibadan Descendant Union of the University of Ibadan and the Polytechnic of Ibadan (IDU UI/POLY) in 1982. Even though CCII is an apolitical organisation; it has the objective of identifying and pursuing measures in all sectors, including politics that are conducive to the promotion of the welfare and progress of Ibadanland and its people.
Ibadan Cultural Festival which is part of the activities being put in place annually to engender unity in the land, is aimed at showcasing the cultural heritage of the land, as well as, marketing it to the outside. It is also aimed at attracting local and foreign investors to Ibadanland. Ibadan has a rich cultural history.
Part of the measures to keep the age-long memory alive is the cultural festival. In fulfilment of these objectives, CCII under the leadership of an astute lawyer, Chief Adeniyi Ajewole, (President- General) on July 27, 2024, marked the Ibadan Day Cultural Festival where many sons and daughters of Ibadanland, home and abroad converged on the iconic Liberty Stadium, now Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan. In a colourful and convivial atmosphere, tradition and modernity cross -fertilised to produce a fecundity of social and political developments aimed at fostering unity among the indigenes, especially as the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, IgeOlakulehin I, has just formally ascended throne of his progenitors.
Commendation In his remarks at the grand finale of the festival, Governor Seyi Makinde, also an Ibadan man, whose wife was among the awardees of the day, thanked the CCII, “for all its efforts over the years in preserving and promoting Ibadan cultural heritage and for the honour bestowed on my darling wife, Ominini, who is being awarded the Most Outstanding Wife of the Year 2024”. In attendance was also the deputy governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, as well as many other dignitaries including: Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, the Aare Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland and the President, Jericho Business Club (JBC); Chairman of the Planning Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Remi Babalola, immediate past President, Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC), Keem Ademola Ige; Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Princess Yetunde Adegoke, Oota Iyalode of Ibadanland, past President General of CCII, Chief Adeyemi Soladoye, and Mrs Toyin Balogun. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.
The 89-year old Olubadan of Ibadanland, who doubled as the Chairman of the Ibadan Cultural Festival, and was represented on the occasion by Oloye Muibi Adewuyi Odunade, used the occasion to appreciate the CCII and its leadership, as well as the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the incumbent, Seyi Makinde, for actualising the construction of the ultramodern Olubadan Palace at Oke Are. The magnificent palace is luxury personified, exuding opulence and sophistication that befit the status of the agedlong throne. Besides its inviting architectural masterpiece, the edifice bears testimony to the rich culture and tradition of the people.
The reigning monarch is the first occupant of this multinaira ultra-modern palace. The Olubadan specifically lauded Olooye Adegoke, President of JBC, who was also given an award of the; ‘Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene (MDII),’ in recognition of his exceptional qualities and positive contributions to the development of humanity, immense support and contributions to the development and growth of Ibadanland and its people both at home and in the Diaspora. The monarch, who made Oloye Adegoke, a cynosure on the festival day, stressed that the development and growth of Ibadanland have always been paramount in the mind of the JBC President, which can be seen in the support for anything that has to do with Ibadanland and its people.
In tandem with the Olubadan’s appreciation of his people, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Ibadan Cultural Festival, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, commended the JBC President on his giant strides on the economic development of the Pacesetter State, disclosing that AareOnibon, as a member of the Ibadan South East Traditional Council, had spare headed and contributed immensely to the renovation of the old Olubadan Palace at Oja’ba. He then urged all Ibadan indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora to emulate the greater gesture of Olooye Adegoke in the development of Ibadanland. While in his remark after being presented with his award, Olooye Adegoke said, “I am determined to do everything within my power to bring more developments and glory to the great city of Ibadanland and the entire state.
I thank the Olubadan and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, (CCII) for the award. This will spur me to do more for the progress and development of Ibadanland”. He said he would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Ibadan – land retains its pride of place as the largest and most peaceful city, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.
Highlights of the event also included musical entertainment from a Fuji artiste, Rasheed Ayinde Merenge, and the Oyo State cultural group anchored by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun..
