Odu'a Group Chairman pledges stronger economic ties with Olubadan
The Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to accelerate economic growth and investment in
The Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, has pledged stronger collaboration with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to accelerate economic growth and investment in Ibadan.
He described the Olubadan as a visionary leader with a strong economic focus, noting that the palace had already reached out on areas of collaboration.
Speaking while leading members of the company’s Board of Directors and management on a courtesy visit to the monarch at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, Ashiru noted that the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee would meet with Odu’a Investment Company on May 6 to discuss strategies for joint economic initiatives.
He said, “I am happy that we have a visionary leader in Kabiyesi, someone who is a chemical engineer and who also attended Harvard Business School. He has an economic team and has written to us on how we can collaborate.
“Small businesses are very important because they are the drivers of any economy in the world, accounting for about 90 per cent globally. In that area, we are going to support the palace and Kabiyesi.”
“You can see that on the 6th of May, the economic team for Ibadan will come to Odu’a for a meeting so we can see how we can navigate and move together as a team. In a few years, we will see how this collaboration evolves."
The Odu’a chairman also revealed that the Olubadan had proposed the use of Aje House as an economic hub, assuring that the company was open to supporting genuine investors.
“You see a Kabiyesi that wants business. If Aje House is to be part of this as an economic hub, we are willing to support any genuine investor that is ready to come in. That is where we are looking."
Ashiru used the occasion to appreciate the monarch for his historic role in the company’s survival, recalling that as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, Oba Ladoja helped preserve the legacy of the conglomerate.
“Kabiyesi, your name is written in gold in the annals of Odu’a Investment Company. Because of your principled stance then, Odu’a Investment still stands, still grows and still serves the South-West. We thank you for being a true custodian of our collective wealth."
He also commended the peaceful and stable environment in Ibadan, noting that the company’s headquarters at Cocoa House had benefited from the prevailing security and harmony.
Ashiru further provided updates on key projects, including the ongoing redevelopment of Premier Hotel and the refurbishment of Cocoa House, describing them as part of efforts to restore Ibadan’s status as a major economic hub.
He added that Odu’a Investment Company had received and reviewed the letter from the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, expressing readiness for transparent and constructive engagement.
“Odu’a Investment Company remains irrevocably committed to Ibadanland. We will not relent until every idle asset is productive and every willing son and daughter of Ibadan finds dignified work,” he said.
Speaking, Oba Ladoja said Odu’a can compete with any business across the world.
“I am happy Odu’a has survived till now. If it has survived this long, there is no reason it will not continue to survive. We have many assets being taken over by foreigners. For instance, we have a lot of minerals in the South-West; if you don’t take care of them, others will.
“Our desire is to make the Odu’a states what our forefathers envisioned them to be — to be first. We are not competing with you; we want to complement you. We want to meet the standards set by our fathers or surpass them.
“Let us do that for our sake and for generations to come. I intend to call DAWN, SWDC and Odu’a together to ensure we synergise. What stops us from having our own trains or our own refinery?
“We have been leading Nigeria. Everything first started from Western Nigeria. Help us retain our first position,” Oba Ladoja said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Ori Olokun brass head sculpture to the monarch.
Dignitaries at the event included the Otun Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Kola Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; former CCII President-General, Chief Bayo Oyero; and the GMD/CEO of Odu’a, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa, among others.
