To all Ibadan indigenes, I wish to extend my warmest greetings as the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) marks the Ibadan Cultural Week this month of May 2025. It is deeply an honour and a privilege to join you in celebrating the cradle of our heritage, the beautiful essence and culture of Ibadan, elevated to its highest expression through this festival. Ibadan, the city of warriors and poets, pulses with a legacy that stretches from the ancient walls of Mapo to the modern spaces of Bodija, a truth to a people who blend grit with grace. This week, we don’t just revel in our past; we polish the jewel of our identity for the world to see, and I particularly stand proud to share in this moment.
I laud the leadership of CCII, under Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, and the diligent planning committee of Ibadan Cultural Week for their unwavering commitment to the value and richness of Ibadan’s heritage. Their carefully curated activities—ranging from the cultural displays at Ibadan House, among other activities of historical significance, as highlighted in recent CCII announcements—speak to a brilliance that populates the Council and steers its affairs. It takes a sharp mind to align tradition with progress, to stage a week that honours drummers and scholars alike, and CCII has done so with finesse. Their work mirrors the intellect and pride that have long defined Ibadan, a city that’s home to Nigeria’s first university, and I wish to salute their vision.
It is indeed personally humbling for me to acknowledge Ibadan’s towering significance in Oyo State, with its 11 local governments out of 33 carrying unmatched weight in shaping the state’s economy and social welfare. Home to over half of Oyo’s population, per 2023 demographic estimates, Ibadan drives commerce through markets like Oja Oba and innovation through hubs like Dugbe, among others. What works in Ibadan—be it cooperative societies or youth empowerment—sets the pace for other parts of Oyo state and beyond. This isn’t bias or undue glorification; it’s a clear-eyed view of a city whose vastness inspires us to replicate its successes across Oyo State and Nigeria. I believe that when we replicate the goods of Ibadan elsewhere, we lift the entire state, and if you ask me, that’s a goal worth chasing.
I commend CCII for its remarkable interventions, which have etched progress across Ibadan. From championing educational reforms, like scholarships for indigent students, to supporting human capital through skills programs, CCII stands at the heart of development, and I feel very proud. Their various efforts —whether renovating community halls or mediating peace in markets — have counted for Ibadan’s sons and daughters, building a legacy of impact. It’s incredible to see these values, rooted in service and unity, define CCII over decades since its founding in 1988 to unify Ibadan’s elite for the common good. Their work isn’t just laudable; it’s a blueprint for what community leadership can do, and I hold it in high esteem.
To CCII and all Ibadan indigenes, young and old, I wish you a joyous Ibadan Cultural Week, filled with the rhythms of bata drums or other drums, and the pride of our shared story. Carry on your shoulders the truth that Ibadan is chasing greater heights, beautifying its heritage with every step; it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires every one of us to run our part. Let’s keep pushing for an Ibadan—and an Oyo State—that shines brighter for all and glows in its magnificence. I believe this festival is a spark for that cause, a moment to celebrate who we are and work for who we’ll become. Happy Ibadan Cultural Week, and may our city’s glory grow, for the good of Oyo State and beyond. Ibadan a gbewa o!
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa.
AKK!! Ajose Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task that must be done.
Sunday May 18, 2025.