Ibadan Needs Urban Renewal, Says Olubadan-Designate Oba Rashidi Ladoja
In a powerful call to action, the Olubadan-elect of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged community leaders and family compound heads to take responsibility for revitalizing the city’s aging ancestral homes. The monarch emphasized that preserving these historic dwellings is not just about maintaining bricks and mortar—it is about safeguarding culture, mentoring the youth, and combatting social decay.
A Royal Appeal for Community Responsibility
Oba Ladoja made these remarks over the weekend while receiving hundreds of Ibadan Mogajis—family heads—who visited his Ondo Street residence in Bodija to congratulate him on his emergence as the next Olubadan. In his address, the monarch highlighted the troubling trend of community leaders abandoning their ancestral homes in favor of more affluent neighborhoods.
“A good number of Mogajis are well off enough to personally initiate developmental programs in their ancestral homes,” Oba Ladoja noted. Yet, he expressed regret that many have chosen to relocate to upscale areas like Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, or Akobo—or even outside Ibadan and Nigeria entirely—where living conditions are perceived as better.
More Than a Title: A Call to Action
Being a Mogaji or chief in Ibadan, Oba Ladoja stressed, is not merely an honorific title—it is a duty. He observed that some titleholders have not even convened family meetings in a long time to discuss communal development activities. This neglect, he argued, has contributed to the deterioration of both physical structures and social cohesion.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan-designate elaborated: “We are looking at a situation where Mogajis and chiefs would not abandon their ancestral homes. By so doing, you can positively impact the younger generation looking for mentorship. You lived in this same society and have become what God wants you to be. Please, let’s encourage the people at the grassroots by staying with them and sharing with them.”
Renovation as a Tool for Social Reform
Oba Ladoja contended that the physical renewal of ancestral homes could play a significant role in addressing social issues such as drug abuse and other vices. When community leaders renovate dilapidated buildings and occasionally inhabit them, they not only preserve heritage but also provide stability and positive influence within the community.
“If community leaders could renovate old buildings in terrible states of disrepair and occasionally inhabit them,” he said, “cases of drug abuse and other social vices would be reduced to the barest minimum.”
Leading by Example
True to his word, Oba Ladoja has already taken steps to practice what he preaches. He revealed that he has renovated his own family house at Isale Osi and plans to visit it regularly once he ascends the throne as Olubadan. This move is symbolic, demonstrating his commitment to bridging the gap between traditional leadership and contemporary community needs.
He also commended those Mogajis and chiefs who have already been active in supporting their communities through initiatives such as educational scholarships for indigent students and creating environments conducive to genuine development.
A Unified Vision for Ibadan’s Future
Looking ahead, Oba Ladoja called for the support and cooperation of all Mogajis and chiefs in his mission to restore Ibadan’s economic fortunes. He envisions a city where historic roots and modern progress coexist, where leaders are present and accessible, and where the next generation can find guidance and inspiration close to home.
Earlier during the visit, the leader of the Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, congratulated Oba Ladoja and praised his forward-thinking vision. He pledged the full support and cooperation of all family compound heads to the incoming monarch and offered prayers for his long and successful reign over Ibadanland.
Why This Matters for Ibadan and Beyond
Urban renewal is not just an architectural or economic issue—it is deeply intertwined with identity, heritage, and social well-being. In many rapidly growing Nigerian cities, historic neighborhoods are often overlooked in favor of new developments, leading to a loss of cultural memory and community integrity.
Oba Ladoja’s appeal goes beyond mere nostalgia. It is a strategic effort to reintegrate leadership into the heart of communities, using physical presence and renewed infrastructure as tools for social and moral guidance. This approach recognizes that buildings are not just structures—they are repositories of memory, hubs of activity, and symbols of continuity.
The Bigger Picture: Urbanization and Cultural Preservation
Across Africa, cities are expanding at an unprecedented rate. While urbanization brings opportunities, it also poses challenges to cultural and historical preservation. Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s largest and oldest cities, is no exception. Its ancient compounds and family houses tell the story of its people—their origins, struggles, achievements, and aspirations.
By calling on Mogajis to reinvest in these spaces, Oba Ladoja is advocating for a model of development that values both progress and preservation. It is a reminder that growth need not come at the expense of heritage—and that true leadership involves stewarding both.
Conclusion: A Challenge to Community Leaders
As Oba Rashidi Ladoja prepares to ascend the throne, his message is clear: leadership is not about distance or detachment—it is about presence, engagement, and responsibility. The call to renovate and reinhabit ancestral homes is more than a practical suggestion; it is a moral and cultural imperative.
Will Ibadan’s community leaders rise to the challenge? If they do, the city may well become a model for how African urban centers can grow without losing their soul—a place where the past and future are not in conflict, but in conversation.