With pomp and pageantry, The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) in preparation to the forthcoming Annual “Ibadan Cultural Festival” has most recently presented the esteemed “CHAMPION OF IBADAN CULTURE” award to the distinguished Hon. Olusoji Olusegun Alade, fondly known as Hon. SOJ.
The event which had in attendance the Creme-dela-creme from the Nook and Cranny of Ibadan occured on Tuesday, the 8th of April, 2025 at the Ọmọ Aj’Orosun Hall, Opposite D’Castle Inn, Ibadan at 3:00pm
This recognition highlights his dedication to promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage and development which came to fore with his blueprints at the 2024 edition of “Ibadan Week”.
The programme was hosted by the effective MC Zobo with DJ SCOPEMAN on the wheels. They gave enough vibes before the programme official began just after the arrival of the President General of the CCII, Barr. Adeniyi Ajewole, who recently secured a 2nd term of office last week Friday so technically, this was his first outing as the re-elected President General of the body known as the “Mouth Piece of Ibadanland”.
Opening Prayers were led by Pastor … And Imam in the Christian and Islamic ways respectively before the National, Oyo and Ibadan anthems were sung.
The Chairman of the ‘2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival’ Chief Abiola Alli, FCA, FCIB, who is The immediate past President of Omo Aj’Orosun Club proceeded to inform the guests about the reason for the gathering, which of course is to celebrate a distinguished son of Ibadanland whose antecedents in placing Ibadan high on his scale of preference.
“It’s not too long ago that SOJ joined the Ọmọ Aj’Orosun Club but his impact is felt by members, old and new alike. His efforts at the last year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival can’t be overemphasized and we deemed it fit to celebrate him with this prestigious award of ‘Champion of Ibadan Culture'”, he concluded.
The President General, Barr. Ajewole spoke about what the CCII Awards stand for. “The CCII presents awards to individuals who excel in various fields, including business, culture, and community service.”
Hon. SOJ’s Achievements
As a distinguished businessman and politician, Hon. SOJ has made significant contributions to Ibadan’s development. His entrepreneurial ventures include Royaldiadem Emma and Faith Limited, a construction and building development company with interests in automobile sales, supplies and logistics, fashion, and event planning.
The beautiful citation of the Awardee was read and rendered by his friend and close political associate, Mógàjí Samuel Toba-Olumide BishopWee.
Adé Ewà Èdè led the lines in singing the panegyrics of Hon. Soji Alade as The President General went ahead and decorated the Awardee, Hon. Olusoji Olusegun Ishola Alade and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Adeola Alade. Later, beautifully crafted award was presented to him for the entire world to see.
Some of the guests presented included:
- President General of CCII, Barr. Adeniyi Ajewole
- Executive Members of the CCII
- Elders, Excos and Members of the Ọmọ Aj’Orosun Club
- Elder James Adeniyi Alade
- Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi BIBIRE
- Hon. Kunle Busari (GuduGudu)
- Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade (Executive Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government)
- Hon. Wole Akinleye (Executive Chairman, Akinyele Local Government)
- Hon. Olufunke Comforter Adeniyi-Olajide (State Assembly Member, Ibadan North Constituency 1)
- Hon. Adebayo Babajide (State Assembly Member, Ibadan North Constituency 2)
- Prince Adebowale Falana (Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency)
- Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (Senior Special Assistant to Oyo Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters)
- Mr. Oluwaseyi Alaba (Captain, Ibadan Golf Club)
- Col. Philip Bamidele (rtd)
- Honourable Councillors of Ibadan North Local Government
- PDP Leaders, Elders, Chairmen and Members, Ibadan North Local Government
- Friends, Family and In-laws of the Awardee
The event was covered by BCOS who will include the coverage in their news and the mostly watched ‘Glitz and Glamour’ programme. It was also covered by BishopWee MEDIA for prints and online publishers.
The Planning Committee included:
Mr. Adigun Ajetola – Chairman
Mr. Ayo Faleke – Co-Chairman
Mógàjí Toba Olumide – Secretary
Mr. Stephen
DJ Fiesta
DJ Scopeman.
TESKAD Events and Decor provided the Decorations & Co
Ashabi Tummy Cares was in charge of the Foods
Hafeez Oloruko took care of the drinks supply.
Later that evening, The Awardee ,Hon Olusoji Alade and his wife, Adeola paid homage to the Deputy Governor Governor of Oyo State Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife at his Bashorun residence where the Deputy Governor congratulated him and wished him well for his future endeavours.
This award is a testament to Hon. SOJ’s commitment to promoting Ibadan’s cultural identity and community development. His achievements serve as an inspiration to others, and his recognition by the CCII is a notable honor.
Courtesy: SOJ Media Team
