Ibadan Indigenes, Friends to Converge in Minnesota for 13th IDU-USA Biennial Convention
Sons and daughters of Ibadanland, as well as friends, associates and well-wishers of the ancient city from across the United States and other parts of the world, are set to converge on Rosemount, Minnesota, from September 17 to 20, 2026, for the 13th Biennial Convention of the Ibadan Descendants’ Union, USA (IDU-USA).
The four-day convention, which is expected to bring together Ibadan indigenes and friends in the diaspora, is themed: “Together for Ibadan’s Growth: Empowering Our Roots, Inspiring Our Future.” The gathering is designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan while promoting unity, community development, networking and a renewed commitment to the growth and advancement of the city.
According to the organisers, the convention will feature a wide range of programmes and activities aimed at strengthening the bond among Ibadan descendants in the diaspora and deepening their connection with their ancestral home. The activities will include cultural presentations, community-development discussions, youth and Next Generation programmes, networking sessions, entertainment and a grand gala.
A major highlight of the convention will be discussions and activities surrounding the IDU-USA 100-Bed Medical Center initiative for Ibadan, which the union described as one of its major community-development priorities. The initiative is expected to further demonstrate the commitment of Ibadan descendants in the United States to contributing meaningfully to the healthcare and general development of their ancestral city.
The union also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his support for IDU-USA and his efforts towards the growth and development of Ibadan. The organisation acknowledged the importance of collaboration between Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora in advancing development across the city and Oyo State.
IDU-USA also extended its appreciation to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, for what it described as his fatherly love, support and camaraderie towards the organisation. The union disclosed that the Olubadan had acknowledged its invitation to the convention through a letter and conveyed his full support for the gathering.
The organisation equally commended the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), under the leadership of Barrister Sulayman Ajewole, for its continued support and commitment to IDU-USA. The union recognised CCII’s role as the umbrella body for Ibadan clubs, unions and associations and its contribution to fostering unity among the people of Ibadan.
IDU-USA further acknowledged the contributions of the IDU-Minnesota Chapter, the convention planning committee, sponsors, volunteers, participating chapters and other individuals and organisations whose support has contributed to the preparations for the convention.
The convention is expected to provide an opportunity for Ibadan descendants and friends to reflect on their shared heritage, discuss practical ways of contributing to the development of their ancestral home and inspire younger generations to remain connected to their Ibadan roots.
The organisers emphasised that although Ibadan descendants may reside in different cities, states and countries around the world, they remain united by a common heritage and shared identity.
The National President of IDU-USA, Oloye Abiola Iyiola, who is also the Aare Egbe Omo Olubadan, welcomed all sons, daughters and friends of Ibadanland to the convention, urging them to embrace the spirit of unity and collective responsibility towards the development of Ibadan.
The 13th Biennial Convention is therefore expected to serve not only as a celebration of Ibadan culture and heritage but also as a platform for strengthening diaspora engagement and mobilising resources, ideas and partnerships for the sustainable development of the historic city.
The organisers expressed their excitement ahead of the gathering, declaring: “We may live in different cities and countries, but Ibadan remains our common home.”