The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday inaugurated a committee to drive the integration of traditional and orthodox medicine.

The inauguration took place at the committee room of the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Speaking through the Director-General of the Olubadan Palace, Basiru Olanrewaju, the monarch said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that traditional and orthodox medicine complement each other to improve healthcare delivery.

“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,” he said.

“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,” the monarch added.

The Olubadan urged members of the committee, drawn from relevant stakeholder groups, to work diligently towards achieving the objective of the initiative for the benefit of the people.

Among those represented at the inauguration were the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the Olubadan Palace and researchers in the field of traditional medicine.

The committee also agreed to hold periodic meetings to ensure the successful implementation of its assignment.

The PUNCH reports that on May 14, 2026, Oba Ladoja first advocated the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare as a way of improving healthcare delivery and preserving indigenous medical knowledge.

The monarch made the call while receiving the executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace.

According to a statement issued at the time by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan said traditional medicine remained effective, accessible and affordable for many Nigerians.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this opportunity to advocate the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine to enhance healthcare delivery before the knowledge of traditional medical practitioners is lost,” the monarch said. (The PUNCH)

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