The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), has lauded His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs for his visionary leadership and timely mobilisation of the traditional institutions ahead of the flag-off of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road Dualisation Project.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Forum, Prince Kola Amoo Adelakin, the TPFI Chairman, Mr Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, mspsp, said Kabiyesi’s intervention is a clear demonstration that the traditional institution remains a strong pillar of unity, development and progress in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
According to TPFI, by bringing traditional rulers and key stakeholders together around a project of immense economic and strategic importance, saying the Olubadan has, once again, shown that the palace is not only a custodian of history and culture but also a vital partner in advancing the welfare of the people.
The Forum noted that the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road is more than an infrastructure project. It is a vital economic corridor that will strengthen connectivity between communities, boost commerce and investment, ease the movement of people and goods and contribute significantly to the development of Oyo State and the wider Southwest region.
Speaking of the significance of the project, Olubadan Ladoja at the ceremony on 26 August, 2026, said, “I’ve been hearing everybody talking about APC, APC. Bola Tinubu is not an APC man, no! Bola Tinubu is working and deserves to be the President for a long, long time. This is not an APC rally. It is a rally that we are here to thank Mr President for making this road project possible”.
“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road. He deserves more than being an APC President. He’s not an APC President. He’s President of Nigeria. The only thing I can look at is that his performance is likely to help the APC win elections. So, we are not discounting the performance of Mr President at all”.
“We believe he deserves a long tenure, even though other parties are scrambling to say they are there when they are not visible. We believe that by the time the election comes, the people of Ibadan will talk”.
TPFI saluted Olubadan Ladoja for recognising the importance of collective traditional leadership and for rallying royal institutions in support of development that will benefit generations yet unborn.
Mr. Oladejo said, ‘Kabiyesi, your leadership is deeply appreciated. Your vision is respected and your commitment to Ibadanland will be remembered”.
The Forum expressed optimism that the mobilisation led by Kabiyesi will mark the beginning of an even stronger partnership between the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and the traditional institution of Ibadanland towards delivering transformative infrastructure and sustainable economic development.
TPFI prayed that Almighty God will grant Olubadan Ladoja long life, divine wisdom, strength, peaceful and successful reign on the throne of his forefathers.
