Olubadan Inaugurates Committee on Integration of Traditional, Orthodox Medicine

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a committee to drive the integration of traditional and orthodox medicine as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge.

The inauguration was held on Wednesday at the committee room of the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Represented by the Director-General of the Olubadan Palace, Basiru Olanrewaju, the monarch said the initiative was designed to ensure that traditional and conventional medical practices complement each other in providing quality healthcare services.

According to him, the integration would benefit not only residents of Ibadanland but Nigerians across the country.

“The main reason for the integration is to ensure that both traditional and orthodox medicine complement each other for effective healthcare delivery in the interest of the people, not only in Ibadanland but across Nigeria,” the monarch stated.

Oba Ladoja reaffirmed his confidence in traditional medicine, describing it as effective and reliable based on his personal experience.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine because I use it and it works. Therefore, there is a need for both systems to complement each other in the delivery of healthcare,” he added.

The Olubadan charged members of the committee to approach the assignment with dedication and professionalism to achieve the objectives of the initiative.

The committee comprises representatives from the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the Olubadan Palace and researchers with expertise in traditional medicine.

Members also resolved to hold periodic meetings to ensure the effective implementation of the committee’s mandate and monitor progress towards achieving its goals.

The latest development follows the monarch’s earlier advocacy for the integration of traditional and orthodox medicine.

On May 14, 2026, while receiving the executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace, Oba Ladoja called for greater collaboration between both healthcare systems.

He argued that traditional medicine remains effective, affordable and accessible to many Nigerians and warned that the knowledge of indigenous medical practitioners could disappear if deliberate steps were not taken to preserve and integrate it into the country’s healthcare system.