The Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has hailed the emergence of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland as a “huge blessing” not just to Ibadan but to Oyo State, Yorubaland, and Nigeria at large.
Oba Alao, visiting Oba Ladoja at his Bodija residence on Thursday, praised the Olubadan-designate’s wealth of experience as a former Senator, State Governor, and businessman, positioning him uniquely to lead the ancient town.
Oba Ladoja’s Experience Matters
Oba Alao noted Oba Ladoja’s background equips him with wisdom and experience as a statesman, politician, and traditional ruler.
The Olugbon then pledged to support Oba Ladoja, relating with him “as a son” despite being a first-class ruler himself.
In his response, Oba Ladoja stressed the need for unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, soliciting Oba Alao’s support leveraging his experience as both monarchs underscored traditional rulers should prioritize development of their domains above selflessness.
Olubadan-designate’s Views and plans
Oba Ladoja appreciated Oba Alao’s visit and emphasised the need for unity among traditional rulers and their advisory roles, working with government and stakeholders for domain development.
“I am soliciting the support of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Alao. His wealth of experience will assist in this regard,” Oba Ladoja noted.
The Olubadan-designate blamed supporters of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi ans the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade for a reported supremacy feud, urging them to focus on Yorubaland’s development instead of discord.
Modernization of Ibadanland
The Olubadan-designate disclosed efforts to modernize Ibadanland, calling on traditional rulers, Baales, and Mogajis to play critical roles.
“We are not talking about the place of Ibadan in history but the modernisation of what is left of the former Ibadan Empire. We have commenced the process of the modernization of Ibadan land. All the traditional rulers including Baales and Mogajis have critical roles to play in this regard,” Oba Ladoja disclosed.
