Ibadan sons and daughters from across the United States gathered in Rosemount, Minnesota, last weekend for the 13th Biennial Convention of the Ibadan Descendants’ Union, USA (IDU-USA), electing a new national executive council chaired by Elder Bolaji Adisa to lead the organisation through the 2026–2028 term.
The convention, held from September 17 to 20 under the theme “Together for Ibadan’s Growth: Empowering Our Roots, Inspiring Our Future,” brought together representatives from IDU chapters across the country for discussions on community development, organisational finances, youth programmes, the Ibadan House project and future administration.
The convention featured the election of new executives with Dr Bolaji Adisa elected president while Mr Shola Bolomope was elected vice president, Oloye Mutiu Adebayo as general secretary and Alhaja Lola-Jim as assistant general secretary.
Other executives include Alhaja Abiola Ajibade as Iyalode, Alhaja Lawal as treasurer, Mr Sobur as assistant financial secretary, Mr Kazeem as chief whip, Pastor Onifade as auditor, Alhaja Hadrat Azeez as social secretary and Mr Akeem Aremu as public relations officer.
The immediate past president, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, will serve in an ex-officio capacity.
Delegates observed a minute of silence at the opening session in memory of Alhaja Oginni, who recently died.
Funding, convention logistics, and insutution of several developments projects for Ibadan Indigenes at home and abroad dominated several sessions.
At the convention, Indigenes of various Ibadan communities based in the US pledged to press ahead with the long-delayed IDU-USA 100-bed Medical Centre for Ibadan.
Earlier, the immediate past president, Abiola Iyiola expressed gratitude to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, led by Barrister Sulayman Ajewole for their efforts in ensuring the progress of the prestigious ancient city.
