Dr. Ezekiel Temitope Oladimeji, popularly known as OTOPE, has expressed his profound gratitude following the presentation of the Icon of Ibadan Heritage Award, which was conferred on him yesterday, Friday, January 17, 2026, during the Ibadan Festival Week 2026 celebrations. He described the honour as a deeply humbling recognition of service, commitment to cultural preservation, and dedication to the development of Ibadanland and its people.
Dr. Oladimeji specially extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his visionary leadership, unwavering support for cultural renaissance, and deliberate policies that have repositioned traditional institutions and festivals as vital pillars of unity, tourism, and development in Oyo State. He noted that the revival and strengthening of cultural platforms such as the Ibadan Festival Week reflect Governor Makinde’s commitment to preserving heritage while promoting inclusive governance.
In a statement of appreciation, Dr. Oladimeji thanked the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), the Chairman and Members of the Ibadan Festival Week 2026, and particularly Mogaji Akere, Chairman of the Ibadan Festival Week Committee, for finding him worthy of such a prestigious recognition rooted in the rich history and heritage of Ibadanland.
He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the President of CCII, Barrister Ajewole, the Obas and Baales of Ibadanland, as well as Islamic and Christian leaders, whose prayers, guidance, and moral support continue to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence in the land.
Dr. OTOPE specially acknowledged the presence and support of respected personalities including Chief Waheed Adurodekun,Pastor Popoola, HRH Oba Kamorudeen Adebowale (Oniladuntan of Laduntan), Oba Alajia of Ajia, and all traditional rulers who graced the occasion and upheld the dignity of Ibadan tradition.
He further appreciated members of the Oyo State Executive Council present, notably Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Hon. (Mrs) Toyin Balogun, Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion; and Hon. Akin Funmilayo, Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, for their commitment to cultural promotion and inclusive governance.
Dr. Oladimeji also thanked grassroots and local government leaders, including Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government; Asiwaju (Engr.) Akeem Olatunji, Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government; Prince Falana Adebayo Adebowale, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development; Pastor Biodun Popoola; Hon. Wasiu Sulaimon Okababa; and Hon. Abayomi Lukman Olajide (Royal Umbrella Ore Gomina), Chief Coordinator of The GSMists.
He acknowledged the unwavering support of associations, bodies, the OTOPE Foundation, and stakeholders from Ife Ona-Ara and Igbega Ona-Ara, including Oloye Benedict Akika (Agba’Akin Olorunda-Abaa), Hon. Wale Ajala, Hon. Oladipupo Olalekan (Intellectuals), Hon. Akande Ifeoluwa, and Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke FCA, Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland.
Dr. OTOPE further expressed gratitude to leaders from Egbeda and Oluyole Local Governments, including Hon. Sikiru Sanda, Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government; Vice Chairman Ibrahim (Simple); Chief Aderibigbe, Chairman Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Honourable Member Hon. Sunkanmi; Egbeda Women Leader, Abanikanda; All leaders and Excos from Egbeda Local Government, PDP State Assistant Secretary. Alhaja Wule, PDP State Organising Secretary, Oyo State PDP Youth Leader, Lekan Bello; Hon. Olaide Settle, Immediate Past Chairman of Oluyole Local Government; Oyo State PDP PRO, Hon. Michael Ogunsina, and many other prominent personalities whose presence added colour and prestige to the event.
According to Dr. Oladimeji, the Icon of Ibadan Heritage Award is not just a personal honour but a renewed call to deeper service, cultural preservation, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ibadanland, Ona-Ara, and Oyo State at large.
“I accept this award with humility and dedicate it to the people, the culture, and the enduring legacy of Ibadan. I remain committed to service, unity, and development,” he concluded.
