On the afternoon of Saturday, September 6, 2025, a high-powered delegation from the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Òkehò (FUNATO) paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. The monarch received the team with warmth, grace, and characteristic royal dignity.
The visit was facilitated by Alhaji Muda Ogunsola, who worked through Alhaji Ali Dodo Oyedeji, a trusted associate of both the Olubadan and himself.
Pastor Favour Adéwọyin formally introduced the delegation, which included:
i. Professor Jacob Olaniyi Babayemi – Vice Chancellor, FUNATO
ii. Engr. Dauda Olaifa – Tede
iii. Mr. Jonathan Oni – Tede
iv. Engr. Olusola Babalola – Igbeti
v. Mr. Olakayode Olabode – Saki
These distinguished community leaders accompanied the Vice Chancellor to the palace in representation of the broader Òkèògùn region.
Delivering the delegation’s address, Professor Babayemi briefed the monarch on the establishment of FUNATO, highlighting its significance as a federal institution situated in Òkehò, Òkèògùn, Oyo State. He stated that the purpose of the visit was to brief the throne ahead of the university’s inauguration scheduled for September 11, 2025. He assured His Majesty that the university’s leadership would make post-inauguration for a formal and official courtesy visit.
The Vice Chancellor also made a heartfelt request: that His Imperial Majesty help extend the institution’s deepest gratitude to key national figures who played instrumental roles in actualising the university — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; Professor Ségun Gbádégesin; Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN; and Senator Fatai Buhari.
In his goodwill remarks, Alhaji Ali Oyedeji fondly recounted the Olubadan’s critical support during his past gubernatorial ambition and campaign. Oba Ladoja, in turn, reminisced about their shared efforts in the reinstatement of the Onjo of Òkèho in 2003, a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, heritage, and the sanctity of traditional leadership.
The royal conversation was rich with wisdom, historical insight, and laughter. His Imperial Majesty reaffirmed his love for Òkèògùn and his full support for FUNATO’s vision. He openly welcomed the possibility of future political leadership emerging from the region and pledged to personally convey the university’s appreciation to the aforementioned dignitaries.
This visit was more than ceremonial — it marked a symbolic alliance between FUNATO and the revered throne of Ibadanland. It reinforced the university’s foundation of tradition, excellence, and community partnership, while deepening strategic ties with the cultural leadership of the state.