ALAAFINATE: Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu Expresses Intent to Become Next Monarch

ALAAFINATE: Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu Expresses Intent to Become Next Monarch.

I, Prince Dr Soliu Ayobami Adewumi Sanda Oladigbolu, hereby, seek your support, guidance and advice to become the next Alaafin of Oyo. I am a descendant of the Alaafin Abubakar Onikepe Siyanbola Oladigbolu Akanbi. My great – great grandfather, Prince Agbohin Akano Oridota (Also known as Agbohin Opapa) was a son of Ayaba Aina Agbeke Apeteiye.

The institution of the Alaafinate remains the most potent custodian of Oyo heritage, culture, tradition and by extension, Yoruba cultural traditions. I pledge to up-hold the institution of the Alaafinate and the cultural hegemony of the Old Oyo Empire and particularly, the Oyo Atiba. Our much-cherished institution should be eternally protected and (extantly) respected. (And that’s why the institution of Alaafin has been revered since 1200) It is worthwhile to note that the institution of the Alaafin was founded in the late 12th century.

Having been nominated by the respected Agunloye Royal Family, I present myself to serve our much – cherished institution ( and revered stool of deity) . I am ready to be the custodian of our culture and tradition. I am a patriotic son of the soil. I have made and I am still making huge contributions to the development of Oyo and its environs. I have played meaningful roles (and still taking part) in community development in Oyo and its environs. I have also held several leadership positions among within and outside the Ọ̀yo community.

I went to Baptist Primary School, Àgbóyè Oyo (1986-1992), Saint Bernardine Grammar School Oyo (1992-1995) and Anglican Methodist/Anglican Secondary School, Ajagba Oyo (1995-1998). After finishing from Saint Andrews College of Education, Oyo in the year 2002, I obtained B. A. Ed in Guidance and Counselling (2008) from the University of Lagos( UNILAG). While in UNILAG, I served as the National General Secretary of the Federation of Oyo Students Union (FOSSU) and later the President of the same association under the University of Lagos chapter. I proceeded to the University of Ibadan where I obtained my Master Degree certificate in Educational Psychology in 2012 and PhD in Educational Psychology (2021).

I am a community man in its entirety. I have been in the forefront of several community developmental projects in Oyo town, Oyo state and Nigeria at large. When I was a member of the National Youths Service Corps in the year 2009-2010, I was the Chairman of the NYSC Drug Free Club and also the vice chairman of the NYSC Editorial Board. In all these, I made significant contributions to community development services.

Humbly speaking, I am a mentor to many youths within and outside Oyo. I was once a Vice Chairman of Oyo Global Forum and I am currently the Co-Chairman of the Forum. Oyo Global Forum is a network of professionals in Oyo Federal Constituency who seek local peace and wholesome community development.

I am happily married and blessed with kids. My passions and areas of interests are Yoruba History, African History, African Culture and Tradition, Human Development, Behavioural Science Research, Mentoring, Community development, Psychology and public speaking.

Thank you.
Prince Ayobami Adewumi Sanda Ladigbolu, PhD.