On Saturday, September 6, 2025, a high-powered delegation from the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Òkehò (FUNATO), paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Pastor Favour Adéwọyin made it known to acrossnigerianews.com in a release issued and duly signed by him.
The royal visit, facilitated by Alhaji Muda Ogunsola through Alhaji Ali Dodo Oyedeji, was received with warmth, grace, and characteristic dignity by the revered monarch at his palace in Ibadan.
The delegation was formally introduced by Pastor Favour Adéwọyin and included:
- Professor Jacob Olaniyi Babayemi – Vice Chancellor, FUNATO
- Engr. Dauda Olaifa – Tede
- Mr. Jonathan Oni – Tede
- Engr. Olusola Babalola – Igbeti
- Mr. Olakayode Olabode – Saki
These distinguished community leaders, representing the wider Òkèògùn region, accompanied the Vice Chancellor to underscore the communal significance of the visit.
In his address, Professor Babayemi briefed the Olubadan on the establishment of FUNATO as a federal institution located in Òkehò, Òkèògùn, Oyo State. He explained that the courtesy visit was to formally inform the monarch ahead of the university’s inauguration scheduled for September 11, 2025.
The Vice Chancellor assured His Majesty that after the official inauguration, the university’s leadership would return for a formal and official courtesy call on the throne.
Professor Babayemi further appealed to the monarch to kindly extend FUNATO’s gratitude to key national figures whose efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the university. These included:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Professor Ségun Gbádégesin
Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN
Senator Fatai Buhari
In his remarks, Alhaji Ali Oyedeji fondly recalled Oba Ladoja’s unwavering support during his gubernatorial ambition and political campaigns. The Olubadan, in response, reminisced about their collaborative efforts in the 2003 reinstatement of the Onjo of Òkèho, describing it as a testament to his lifelong dedication to justice, heritage, and the sanctity of traditional leadership.
The palace discussion was rich with wisdom, history, and humor, reflecting both the monarch’s deep love for Òkèògùn and his keen interest in the progress of FUNATO.
Oba Ladoja reaffirmed his support for the vision of the institution, declaring his openness to seeing political leadership emerge from Òkèògùn in the future. He also pledged to personally convey the university’s appreciation to the dignitaries mentioned.
The visit, though brief, carried deep symbolic weight. It signified a strengthening alliance between FUNATO and the revered throne of Ibadanland. It also highlighted the university’s foundation on tradition, academic excellence, and community partnership, while reinforcing its strategic bond with the cultural leadership of Oyo State.
