Ibadan, Oyo State — The cultural heritage of Ibadan received a significant boost on Thursday as His Royal Majesty, Oba Abimbola Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland, unveiled two major works — Giant Strides, Ibadan Hegemony and the Yoruba film Agbeni. The event held at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The launch attracted notable traditional rulers, political figures, academics and cultural advocates. Among the dignitaries was Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who supported the unveiling with a ₦5 million donation, describing it as a personal commitment to preserving Yoruba cultural identity and celebrating Ibadan’s historical influence.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, served as the Royal Father of the Day, while Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, attended as Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ajadi praised Ibadan’s legacy in governance, culture and leadership, emphasising that its documented history deserves collective support.

“Ibadan is not just a city; it is a symbol of strength, a home of wisdom and a centre of Yoruba civilisation,” he said.
“Supporting these works is my contribution towards ensuring that the story of Ibadan — its struggles, victories and cultural heritage — continues to inspire present and future generations.”

Announcing his donation, he stated:

“On behalf of myself and the Bode Amao family, I launch the books and the film with the sum of ₦5 million.”

He commended Oba Ajibola for investing in cultural documentation, noting that history and film play vital roles in strengthening communal identity.

“When our traditional institutions invest in knowledge, film and history, they are building a foundation for generations unborn,” he said.
“I applaud Kabiyesi for leading this intellectual renaissance. Culture is not static — it grows when we pay attention to it.”

Ajadi reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, creative arts and the preservation of Yoruba heritage, expressing hope that the works would become global reference materials on Ibadan’s longstanding influence.

In his remarks, the Balogun of Ibadanland expressed profound gratitude to all supporters. He described the books and film as a “collective inheritance for the Yoruba people,” explaining that the project was inspired by the need to chronicle Ibadan’s evolution, political structures and its impact across Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Makinde also lauded the initiative, stressing the importance of cultural infrastructure and the creative industry in strengthening identity and driving economic development.

The event drew traditional rulers, scholars, filmmakers, youth groups and political leaders, who all commended the Balogun and applauded Ambassador Ajadi’s contribution.

The unveiling concluded with a cultural performance and the screening of excerpts from Agbeni, which blends historical narration with artistic interpretation of Ibadan’s political traditions.