Oloye Abiola Iyiola, the Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan of Ibadanland, has been honoured with the prestigious 2026 Ibadan Man of the Year Award by the Centre for Community Advocacy & Development in recognition of his commitment to the growth, development and prosperity of Ibadanland.

The award adds to a growing list of recognitions bestowed on the Ibadan high chief in acknowledgement of his contributions to the city. Previous honours include the Omoluabi of Ibadanland (OOI) award and the Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigene (MPII) recognition conferred by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

Reacting to the latest honour, Iyiola described the recognition as deeply humbling, noting that being voted Ibadan Man of the Year was not merely a privilege but a renewed call to greater service.

He dedicated the award to the people of Ibadan, whose resilience, support and collective aspirations, he said, continue to inspire his commitment to community development and the advancement of the ancient city.

The Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan expressed profound gratitude to the organisers and everyone who considered him worthy of the recognition, stressing that the honour was a collective achievement.

According to him, the recognition belongs to the entire Ibadan community, whose shared commitment to progress and development remains a source of inspiration.

Iyiola’s latest award further underscores the recognition of his involvement in Ibadan affairs and his advocacy for the city’s growth, development and prosperity.