Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide has Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, as an “irredentist Ibadan man” who has always been committed to putting Ibadanland on the world map.
Hon. Olajide stated this while congratulating Sen. Ladoja, who was decorated with a beaded crown by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at his palace today.
The former governor of Oyo State officially received the Ibadan beaded crown after seven years of resistance.
Ladoja was presented the crown on Monday by Bayo Lawal, acting governor of the state, during a ceremony held at the palace of Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan, is one of the 11 high chiefs in the succession line to Olakunlehin.
Ladoja’s coronation comes about seven years after he refused the beaded crown which confers the “his royal majesty” title on him.
The ceremony, which was graced by dignitaries from across the state, according to a congratulatory message made available to newsmen by Tolu Mustapha, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs on behalf of Hon. Olajide, marked a new chapter in Sen. Ladoja’s life as a high chief of Ibadanland.
He said, “Today’s crowning of Sen. Rasheed Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland with the beaded crown marks a significant milestone in his journey as a high chief of Ibadanland.
Olajide while also appreciating the former Governor of Oyo State and one-time Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is next in line to the throne after Oba Olakulehin for heeding the call of the people in accepting the Obaship title further highlighted his key role in promoting the culture and tradition of Ibadanland and described his elevation as a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.
Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo State at the national assembly, urged Sen. Ladoja not to relent in using his wealth of experience and knowledge in further making significant contributions to the development of Ibadanland and the state at large.