Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, has promised to give priority to economic emancipation, religious tolerance, promotion and preservation of Ibadan tradition as well as cultural heritage.
Ladoja stated this while receiving executive members of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) who paid a congratulatory visit to him.
“I know the needs of my people and I am fully prepared God’s willing to address them and also give priority attention to their needs particularly in the areas of peaceful co-existence, unity, economic emancipation, religious tolerance and promotion and preservation of Ibadan traditional and cultural heritage among others”, Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, assured.
Recall that Oba Ladoja was recently nominated by kingmakers in Ibadanland and his nomination has been approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The CCII delegation led by Sulaimon Adeniyi Ajewole, its president general, who is also the Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland, was received at the residence of Oba Ladoja at Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan.
Warmly receiving the CCII delegation, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to both the executive members as well as sons and daughters of Ibadan within and outside Nigeria.
According to the new monarch, the visit of Ibadan indigenes both at home and diaspora as represented by CCII was a symbol of loyalty, support and collaboration to jointly and collectively take Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole to an enviable and greater height.
Oba Ladoja noted that Ibadan belongs to all, and consequently, all hands must be on deck to justify the trust and confidence people reposed in us, the new monarch disclosed.
Ajewole, earlier in his congratulatory message, registered the joy of Ibadan indigenes on the enthronement of Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“We are happy to see you hale and hearty to take the mantle of Ibadan traditional leadership now that people are yearning for messiah who will improve their standard of living and take them to the promised land.
“We make bold to commend the choice of the new Olubadan as a well deserved by law, tradition, character and mental capacity. We pray for his longevity of life, sound health, progress,peace, and prosperity for Ibadanland during his reign,” the president-general said.
“CCII is the umbrella body for all the Socio – Cultural groups of Ibadanland home and abroad committed to fostering unity irrespective of the difference in religion and political leanings, ensuring security of lives and property, facilitating economic, social, cultural and infrastructural development among others”.
Meanwhile, Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), has extended his warmest congratulations to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his confirmation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a statement released by his media team, Adeniran described Ladoja’s confirmation as a testament to his dedication to the betterment of Ibadanland and its people.
He noted that his ascension to the revered throne is a reflection of the esteem in which he is held by the people of Ibadanland.
Adenran added that his attainment to the throne is in fulfilment of destiny, being the first Olubadan to have served as a senator in Nigeria and a former governor of Oyo State.
Adeniran prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the newly confirmed Olubadan, wishing him a successful and fulfilling reign.
He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for ensuring a seamless transition, after the demise of late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Adeniran also applauded the Olubadan-in-Council and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a smooth transition.
As the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja is expected to continue promoting peace, unity, and development in the city.
Adeniran’s congratulatory message is a testament to the widespread goodwill and support for the new monarch.
