Focus on education, security to bring sanity to Ibadan – Falola enjoins Olubadan-designate, Ladoja

A Nigerian historian, Professor Toyin Falola, has advised the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, to, without wasting more time, focus on how to improve the state of education, security, and welfare of the people of Ibadanland.

Falola, who is adjudged as the most cited African historian, noted that this is necessary in order to bring sanity and rapid development to the ancient city.

He made these assertions when he delivered the maiden Olubadan coronation lecture on Wednesday.

The lecture, held at the University of Ibadan, was organised as part of activities for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Ladoja is expected to be coronated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland tomorrow, Friday, at Mapo Hall.

Falola, while addressing the gathering, advised that the first sphere of transformation Ladoja should focus on is social development.

He said that the most critical pillars of social development the Olubadan-designate should face are security, education, and welfare of the people.

He said that Ladoja’s experience, influence, and connection will help to bring good things to the ancient city.

He added that Ladoja’s emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland will be a major turning point for the socio-economic and political developments in Ibadanland.

Falola also revealed that Ladoja, as governor of Oyo State, undertook some reforms in education, agriculture, and urban renewal despite some political crises his administration witnessed between 2003 and 2007.

He then used the opportunity to advise the former governor to implement policies in the areas of education, security, and social welfare just the way he did when he was a governor.

The Ibadan-born historian concluded by saying that all these will help to make his reign a memorable one in the history of Ibadan.

“The first sphere of transformation that the reign of Ọba Ladoja must influence is that of social development. The most critical pillars in this case are security, education, and welfare – areas in which Ibadan has long been both a pacesetter and flashpoint for transformation.

“As the Olubadan, his moral and cultural authority can be leveraged to rally elite and communal investment in education. The priority would not only be to keep institutions of higher learning running, but also to improve primary and secondary education in Ibadanland, laying the proper foundation for social mobility.

“Education in Ibadan has historically been tied to identity and social mobility. As Ruth Watson has observed, Ibadan’s civic culture produced ‘an ethos of discipline and enlightenment,’ wherein the educated elite were critics and custodians of the city’s traditions. An education agenda under Oba Ladoja could thus re-establish Ibadan’s role as a crucible of intellectual and civic leadership for Nigeria.”

Focus on education, security to bring sanity to Ibadan – Falola enjoins Olubadan-designate, Ladoja