Ibadan Week: CCII Honors Gov. Douye Diri, Oyo Speaker, Ogundoyin, SUBEB Chair, Adeniran With Special Awards
•••As Makinde Orders Ibadan LG Chairmen To Provide Vehicles For Olubadan
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The grand finale of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival held at the Obafemi Awolowo Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan, was a huge success as dignitaries from all works of life witnessed the colourful event organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The annual event which serves as an avenue for all Ibadan sons and daughters both at home and abroad to come together with their unions in various uniforms but colourful attires to celebrate their cultural, traditional values.
The event also serves as avenue to network and reconnect with old friends, as all the social clubs, unions, associations, both at home and abroad under the affiliation of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) gathered to celebrate and discuss a way forward about the development of Ibadanland.
This year’s edition of the event took another dimension as some distinguished Ibadan sons and daughters, as well as meaningful Nigerians who are described as “friends of Ibadan” were being recognized with awards of excellences.
Top of the list of the awardees of this year event, the Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, the speaker Oyo state House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, tye Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, among many others.
Speaking as the special guest and host of the event, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde stated that his government would not deprive traditional rulers in the state their entitlements.
The governor, who said that the Council of Obas and Chiefs had been in abeyance before his assumption of office in 2019, added that traditional rulers would begin to get their due, including official vehicles, as soon as the council is constituted.
He added that he had mandated all the eleven local government councils in Ibadanland to provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin before the end of May.
Governor Makinde thanked the people of Oyo State for supporting his government, and also the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) for the award of recognition given to Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa State governor.
Makinde said, “I want to thank the CCII for recognising my brother-colleague. I only have one thing to say, which you can take home.
“People have been asking me what is happening to Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers but I said there was no Council before I came in. The Speaker is here, they could not put together the Council.
“They have also been asking why have we not given a vehicle befitting the status of the Olubadan of Ibadanland to him.
“I have sent a message to the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland and I said they must provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan, and they must do it before the end of this month.
“Once they put together the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State, then the state will give what is due to all the traditional rulers.”
Responding, after receiving the award of Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who commended Governor Makinde for his unprecedented performances and for making the people of the state happy, thanked the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes for recognising his efforts.
While stressing that governance is about the people, he charged them to continue to support Governor Makinde to develop the state.
The Bayelsa State governor said, “We are indeed very elated to stand before you, the people of Ibadan. We never saw this coming.
“We want to on behalf of the government and the good people of Bayelsa State, express our appreciation to you, particularly to my very good and workaholic friend, who is the governor of this state, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“Government is about the people and I believe that Governor Makinde is working well and the people are rejoicing. My Bible tells me that when good people rule, the people rejoice.
“From the depth of our hearts, we appreciate what has happened here.
Before we came here, we never knew this would be a very great event.
“We all know that the governor is working towards the development of this state. So, continue to support him.” Diri said.
In his acceptance speech, after receiving the Outstanding Friend Of Ibadan Award, the Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin expressed deep gratitude for the honor, stating – “Today, I am deeply honored to receive the Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland Award, and I must say that this is one of the most humbling recognitions of my life. To be considered a friend of Ibadanland, a city that has shaped politics, governance, and culture across Oyo State and Nigeria, is truly special.”
“I accept this award not just as an individual but as a proof to our shared commitment to progress, unity, and development. Though I hail from Eruwa, Ibadan is my birthplace and holds a special place in my heart. This recognition by the CCII reinforces my commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ibadanland.”
He further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving development, noting that the legislative arm, under his leadership, will continue to enact laws and policies that favor the growth and well-being of Ibadan and its people.
Presenting the award earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Oba Rasidi Ladoja, said the award was in recognition of Senator Diri’s outstanding support, inclusive leadership and contribution to the Ibadan Indigenes in Bayelsa State.
Also, the Chairman of the event, Architect Bamidele Samson, Chairman, BOVAS Oil and gas, urged all Ibadan people to always exhibit the use of Yoruba language, culture and religion for the promotion of tradition and cultural heritage.
In his welcome address, the Chairman Planning Committee of Ibadan Cultural Festival, Chief Abiola Alli, thanked all the stakeholders for their contributions and their performances since the week began.
Delivering his remarks, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole lauded Governor Makinde’s unflinching support to Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
He equally thanked all Ibadan Indigenes home and abroad for their multidimensional support towards the success of the event.
Other dignitaries at the event are, Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barr Bayo Lawal, former First Lady of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, former deputy governor, Barr Hazim Gbolarumi; Speaker, Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Sikiru Sanda among others.