Gbadega Adedapo named ‘Icon of Ibadan Heritage’
By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
Ibadan gbà onílẹ̀, ó gbà àlejò… (Ibadan welcomes the indigene and embraces the visitor)
IN a stirring affirmation of this age-old identity, the ancient city of Ibadan, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, transformed its poetic heritage into living reality as it conferred one of its most culturally symbolic honours upon a man whose contributions have become woven into its evolving narrative.
At the dignified Ibadan Civic Centre, where modern sophistication meets ancestral pride, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Eminent personalities, traditional leaders, policy influencers, and intellectual elites gathered in a grand spectacle of prestige. Among the 70 distinguished awardees celebrated, one recognition resonated with profound cultural and historical significance. Gbadega Adedapo, a towering figure in Nigeria’s publishing landscape, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Icon of Ibadan Heritage’ award by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
In a city where lineage is deeply revered and ancestral roots hold enduring significance, this conferment carried a deeper message, one that transcends tradition. It stood as a bold declaration that Ibadan is not only a custodian of heritage but also a sanctuary of merit; a city that honours not merely where one comes from, but what one contributes.
The ceremony was masterfully anchored by Alhaji Gboyega Lawal, whose commanding presence and cultural depth as Master of Ceremony added gravitas and seamless flow to the proceedings, reflecting the dignity befitting such a historic occasion.
The gravity of the moment was further heightened by the symbolic presence of Ibadan’s most eminent sons. Leading the charge of modern governance is His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (fnse,) whose administration reflects a progressive, forward-thinking Ibadan.
Standing beside this contemporary leadership is the revered monarch, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), royal patriarch and former governor, whose presence embodies the seamless fusion of history, authority, and cultural continuity, though both not physically in attendance.
Together, they symbolise the living soul of Ibadan, where past, present, and future converge in majestic harmony. It is within this powerful convergence that the honour bestowed upon Adedapo finds its most compelling meaning.
Gbadega Adedapo is not merely a name within the corridors of Nigerian publishing; he is a symbol of intellectual enterprise and visionary leadership. As the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Accessible Publishers Ltd, he has played a transformative role in reshaping educational publishing in Nigeria, driving innovation, accessibility, and quality content delivery across learning institutions.
Mr. Gbadega Adedapo (left) with his staff members – the Registrar, Best In Print, Academy, Mr. Olufemi Ogunyejo and his PA, Mr. Tosin Akeredolu – at the event
With a solid academic foundation in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration, Adedapo bridges technology and publishing with rare finesse. His career reflects a commitment to knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and the democratization of educational resources.
Beyond corporate success, his influence extends into socio-academic development, where his works and initiatives have supported students, educators, and institutions alike. His contributions have not only strengthened the publishing ecosystem but have also positioned him as a catalyst for educational advancement and intellectual empowerment.
For Ibadan to extend its revered cultural recognition beyond ancestral boundaries is to reaffirm its philosophical core: that excellence is universal, and that service is the truest measure of belonging. In Adedapo, the city celebrates a man whose intellectual investments, economic contributions, and socio-academic impact have become part of its living fabric.
Behind this landmark recognition stands the ever-dynamic Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), under the astute leadership of Chief Barr. Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole. With a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and progressive inclusion, the council continues to elevate narratives that define Ibadan’s greatness.
The event itself was a masterclass in cultural orchestration. The Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, led by Mogaji (Alh.) Moshood Gbolagade Akere, alongside the Award Day Sub-Committee chaired by Chief Bayo Oyeleke, curated a ceremony that blended elegance with heritage in seamless rhythm.
Supporting this distinguished effort were key committee members, Mrs. Monsurat Toyin Oyebola (Vice Chairman), Prince Saheed Adekunle Oyebamiji (Secretary), Mrs. Sarat Oluwafunmilayo Jimoh (Assistant Secretary), and Alh. Ismail Gbolagade Oyinlola, JP (Chief of Staff), whose collective dedication ensured a flawless and memorable occasion.
Yet, beyond the grandeur and applause, the deeper significance of the moment endures.
This was more than an award, it was a cultural embrace. A symbolic inscription into Ibadan’s living chronicle. A declaration that legacy is not confined to ancestry, but expanded through impact.
In Gbadega Adedapo, Ibadan honours not just an individual, but a philosophy, a quiet, resolute movement of excellence, enterprise, and enduring relevance. As the ceremony drew to a close and echoes of celebration lingered in the air, one truth stood tall, echoing through the hills and history of Ibadan: “…In this ancient city of warriors and wisdom, greatness is not where you come from, it is what you give, what you build, and what you leave behind…”
* Ogunyejo is the Registrar, Best In Print, Academy, Ibadan
