Ibadan – The Chairman of the Oluyole Traditional Council and Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Hamidu Ajibade, has described the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, as “a beloved son of the Olubadan and a pride to the Ibadan traditional institution.”
Oba Ajibade made the remark on Thursday during the official flag-off of the historic Mini Mapo Hall project at Idi-Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government Area. The project, he said, was a testament to Olatunji’s vision and deep respect for Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
Delivering the Olubadan’s message to the gathering, Oba Ajibade noted that the Olubadan of Ibadanland held Olatunji in high esteem, describing him as a leader who has continued to bring honor to Ibadan through humility, loyalty, and service.
“Olatunji is not only a son of Oluyole but a proud and illustrious son of Ibadanland. He commands deep respect within the traditional institution and continues to make us proud. The Olubadan himself sent this message of affection and endorsement, and I cannot say otherwise,” Oba Ajibade said.
He commended Olatunji for yielding to the recommendation of the traditional council to construct the Mini Mapo Hall, calling it a symbolic project that will reconnect Oluyole to its historical roots.
The monarch also urged all political, traditional, and community stakeholders to rally behind the council chairman to ensure his administration succeeds.
“We must all stand on the side of truth and legitimacy. Those trying to sow political mischief or disunity for selfish reasons should desist. Posterity will judge everyone by their deeds,” he warned.
Speaking further, Oba Ajibade praised Olatunji’s leadership style, describing him as a humble, humane, and attentive leader who listens and consults widely. He reminded him, however, that leadership often comes with sacrifices and encouraged him to keep working with diverse interests for the greater good of Oluyole.
The flag-off ceremony drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries from across Oyo State. Among them were the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi, former Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Ibadan Airport Upgrade Committee; Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega, Chairman of Solutions FM; Mogaji Abduljelyl Abdulkarheem Adanla, Chairman and CEO of Afia Properties, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, a two-term member of the House of Representatives.
Also present were Hon. Taofeeq Azeez, Leader of the Oluyole Legislative House; Alhaji Monsuru Amubieya, a businessman and Real Estate Mogul, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola, immediate past PDP chairman in Oluyole; Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat, Oluyole PDP Chairman; Architect Salaam Azeez, Dr. Saheed Adetunbi Ige of LAUTECH; Hon Yomi Olajide Royal Umbrella and representatives of market men and women, religious leaders, and the Women Council Society of Nigeria.
Several guests made generous donations toward the construction of the Oluyole Mini Mapo Hall, which many see as a cultural landmark in the making.
Speaking with journalists after the groundbreaking, Olatunji reaffirmed his commitment to building a lasting legacy for Oluyole and Ibadan at large. He explained that the Oluyole Mini Mapo Hall project was inspired by the original Mapo Hall in Ibadan Southeast Local Governmen, built by the colonial administration in 1925, and would serve as both a meeting place for traditional rulers and an event center that would generate revenue for the council.
“If white men could build Mapo Hall 100 years ago for the use of the Olubadan-in-Council, there’s no reason we can’t replicate that legacy here,” Olatunji said. “Our traditional rulers deserve royalty, dignity, and comfort in how they’re treated. This edifice will serve that purpose and more.”
He added that the hall’s location—central to Wards 5, 8, and 9—was chosen to ensure accessibility and inclusivity across the council area.
Olatunji also disclosed that beyond the Mini Mapo Hall, the council was preparing to roll out a local government-wide sports fiesta for 116 primary schools later in November, among other legacy programs.
“This year, we’re determined to implement projects that will stand the test of time,” he said. “What we’re building here goes beyond physical structures—it’s about heritage, pride, and community renewal.”
For many residents, the Oluyole Mini Mapo Hall represents not just a new landmark, but a bridge between tradition and modern governance. As Oba Ajibade put it, “When our sons honor our heritage, they honor Ibadan itself.”
