The 2025 edition of the annual Ibadan Week kicked off in grand style as dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and indigenes gathered at Awotan, Ido Local Government Area to pay homage to the legendary founder of Ibadan, Lagelu.
The event began with a symbolic visit to the sacred tomb of Lagelu, known as the Ojubo, setting a cultural tone for the week-long celebration of Ibadan’s rich heritage. The visit was led by the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, who officially declared the 2025 Ibadan Week open.
In his address, Dr. Olatunbosun underscores the importance of preserving Ibadan’s cultural identity. He used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of Ibadan to unite in supporting the creation of Ibadan State — a long-standing aspiration aimed at ensuring political recognition and accelerated development for the ancient city.
He also raised strong concerns about the encroachment on Lagelu’s ancestral land, revealing that illegal developments have left barely any space of the originally allotted twelve (12) acres.
“Out of twelve acres, it is now difficult to find even a full plot available.This is unacceptable and a disservice to the legacy of intelligent Ibadan sons and daughters,”he lamented.
Dr. Olatubosun proposed the transformation of the Ojubo site into a major cultural and tourist attraction, which, according to him, would not only protect the sacred ground but also boost the local economy and promote global recognition of Ibadan’s historical significance.
The 2025 Ibadan Week is expected to feature various cultural displays, lectures, and exhibitions, all centered on celebrating the spirit, unity, and legacy of Ibadan.
His Royal Majesty,Oba Dauda Omotosho, the Alawotan of Awotan, commended the 2025 Ibadan Week Planning Committee for including the historic Lagelu Tomb in this year’s celebration program, he expressed his full support for efforts to reclaim the land on which the tomb stands, emphasizing its cultural significance. The monarch also urged all Ibadan indigenes to be proud ambassadors of the city, representing its values and heritage positively wherever they find themselves across the world.
Speaking at the event, the President of the 2025 Ibadan Week Planning Committee, Alhaji Abiola Alli, outlined the activities scheduled for the celebration. He cautioned against the careless documentation of Ibadan’s history, advising writers and historians to engage directly with individual families to obtain accurate historical accounts.
Alhaji Alli further highlighted that this year’s program aims to spotlight young talents across the city.
He concluded with a strong message on land use, urging that “Ibadan land should not be sold but leased,” in a bid to preserve the heritage and integrity of the land for future generations.
