Ajibola made the call during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. He congratulated the monarch-in-waiting on his forthcoming coronation, describing him as a visionary leader committed to strengthening Ibadan’s cultural identity.
Expressing concern over the disconnect between youths and the city’s traditions, Ajibola noted that many residents and students pass through Ibadan without meaningful exposure to its history or cultural expressions.
“There are so many stories about Ibadan that people don’t know,” he said. “I interact with young people daily through my work in hospitality, and I see the gap. Students study here for years and leave without experiencing our culture. This shouldn’t be the case.”
He observed that despite hosting major institutions such as the University of Ibadan and Lead City University, the city struggles to transmit its heritage to the younger generation. Ajibola stressed that tourism and entertainment could serve as effective platforms for cultural education while also stimulating Ibadan’s economy.
In his response, Oba Ladoja commended Ajibola’s passion for cultural preservation, reiterating the central role of young people in sustaining Ibadan’s heritage.
“It is the youth who will sustain our heritage,” the Olubadan-designate said. “They must embrace our traditions while introducing innovations that keep our culture relevant in today’s world.”
The monarch further appealed to stakeholders to leverage modern platforms in showcasing culture in ways that resonate with younger audiences, emphasizing that culture and development should advance side by side.
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