The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to address persistent ecological challenges threatening lives and livelihoods across parts of Ibadan, warning that several communities are facing severe hardship, especially during the rainy season.

The first-class traditional ruler made the appeal in Abuja during a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr George Akume. The visit, according to the palace, was aimed at drawing renewed federal attention to long-standing environmental and flood-related problems confronting residents of the ancient city.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan acknowledged previous interventions by the Federal Government and the World Bank, particularly the Ogunpa Channelisation Programme, which was designed to mitigate flooding along major waterways in Ibadan. He noted, however, that the ecological crisis remains far from resolved and continues to pose grave dangers to many communities that have largely been left out of past interventions.

Oba Ladoja observed that the Ogunpa ecological challenge has historically received prominence because it affects high-profile and elitist neighbourhoods stretching from Mokola, Ekotedo and Ogunpa through Oke Ado to Molete. While commending efforts made in those areas, the monarch stressed that similar attention must now be extended to less privileged communities that bear the brunt of flooding without adequate support.

He specifically highlighted the plight of residents in Oranyan, Kudeti, Agbongbon and adjoining areas, describing their living conditions during the rainy season as “better imagined than told.” According to the Olubadan, these communities, largely inhabited by low-income earners, suffer recurrent flooding, erosion and environmental degradation through no fault of their own.

The monarch warned that neglecting such areas not only deepens inequality but also increases public health risks and infrastructural decay, calling for a more inclusive and comprehensive ecological response from the Federal Government. He urged authorities to view environmental protection as a social justice issue, stressing that the safety and dignity of the downtrodden must be prioritised.

Responding, the SGF, Dr George Akume, expressed appreciation for the Olubadan’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of responsible and people-centred traditional leadership. Akume said he was not surprised that the monarch would travel from Ibadan to Abuja to personally present the concerns of his people, noting that such commitment has earned the Olubadan widespread respect and affection.

He assured the royal father that the Federal Government would do everything within its capacity to assist in tackling the ecological problems raised, adding that the issues would receive due attention. Although no specific timeline was given, Akume’s assurance was greeted as a positive signal of possible renewed federal engagement.

Oba Ladoja was accompanied on the visit by Senator Fatai Buhari, representing Oyo North, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli of Oyo South, among other dignitaries.