In Ibadanland, where history breathes through ancient walls and the echoes of warrior ancestors still shape civic pride, titles are never ornamental. They are earned, defended, and remembered. Among such revered distinctions stands the title of Okanlomo of Ibadanland—a rare honour that symbolizes leadership, compassion, and responsibility over a land of immense scale and influence.
Ibadan, Africa’s third-largest city, spans more than ten local government areas and is home to a population exceeding five million people. It is a city of contrasts: tradition and modernity, struggle and triumph, resilience and ambition. To be entrusted with a title that represents this vast and storied land is no small feat. The Okanlomo is not merely a chief; he is a moral compass, a bridge between privilege and the people, and a custodian of communal progress.
From its inception, the title has been reserved for men whose lives reflect extraordinary philanthropy and transformational leadership—individuals whose generosity has uplifted communities and rewritten destinies.
The foundation of this legacy was laid by Chief Nathaniel Olabiyi Idowu, the inaugural Okanlomo of Ibadanland. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest philanthropists, Chief Idowu’s name became synonymous with compassion in action. His interventions cut across education, healthcare, community development, and social welfare at a time when such support was desperately needed. Schools were built, lives were restored, and hope was rekindled in countless homes through his quiet but powerful generosity. His reign as Okanlomo set a gold standard—establishing the title as one rooted not in wealth alone, but in selfless service to humanity.
Years later, the torch of this noble tradition was carried forward by Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, whose installation as Okanlomo in March 2017 marked another defining chapter in Ibadan’s contemporary history. His elevation was not the product of political influence or ceremonial courtesy, but of proven merit.
Senator Akanbi earned the honour through decades of tangible contributions to Ibadanland and its people. His philanthropy touched lives across social strata—supporting education, empowering youths, aiding the vulnerable, and investing in initiatives that strengthened the social fabric of the city. His approach mirrored the essence of Ibadan’s warrior spirit: fearless in service, strategic in impact, and unwavering in commitment to the collective good.
The late monarch who installed him, Oba Soliu Akanmu Adetunji (Aje Oguguliso I), was himself a symbol of industrious leadership. Regarded as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking Olubadan monarchs Ibadan ever produced, Oba Adetunji believed deeply in honouring merit and rewarding service. His reign was marked by a deliberate effort to align traditional institutions with modern development, and the installation of Senator Akanbi as Okanlomo reflected that philosophy.
In a rare and deeply symbolic gesture, the monarch also honoured Senator Akanbi’s wife with the title of Yeye Okanlomo of Ibadanland. This recognition went beyond ceremony—it acknowledged the often-unseen role of partnership in philanthropy and leadership. Together, the couple represented a shared legacy of compassion, service, and community upliftment, reinforcing the idea that lasting impact is most powerful when built collectively.
Today, the title of Okanlomo stands as a beacon of what leadership in Ibadanland should embody. It is a reminder that true greatness lies not in accumulation, but in contribution; not in privilege, but in purpose. In a city defined by its size, strength, and historical relevance, the Okanlomo remains a moral institution—challenging the elite to give back, inspiring the next generation to serve, and preserving the soul of Ibadan through acts of kindness and courage.
As Ibadan continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of the Okanlomo—shaped by icons like Chief Nathaniel Olabiyi Idowu and Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi—serves as a timeless reminder: titles may confer honour, but it is service that confers immortality.
