STEPHEN GBADAMOSI IBADAN
The Olubadan-designate, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, said it is a rigourous process to becoming Ibadan monarch.
He also sued for peaceful co-existence in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large “for meaningful development to take place.”
The Olubadan-designate appealed to both the political leaders and the ruled to have the interest of “our dear country at heart,” adding that we should support our political leaders at local, state and federal levels “so as to have the Nigeria of our dream.”
According to the the former Oyo State Governor, Oba Ladoja, the present traditional leadership in Ibadan solicited the support of indigenes, non-indigenes as well as all residents in Ibadanland, so as to move Ibadanland to a greater and enviable height.
In his maiden speech to journalists and well-wishers at his residence, Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja appreciated the Almighty God for sparing his life to fulfill his destiny of becoming the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Only God chooses Olubadan. the choice of Olubadan is not by power, might, riches or wisdom, but by God.
“My becoming Olubadan of Ibadanland is God’s ordained, considering the challenges faced before reaching the pinnacle of Ibadan traditional rulership,” stressed.
Expressing sadness on the demise of his predecessor, the late Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), Oba Ladoja consoled the people of Ibadanland and urged them to take solace in the fact that Oba Olakulehin lived a fulfilled life as his reign witnessed unprecedented peaceful co-existence, unity and developmental projects.
The Olubadan-designate used the opportunity to appreciate members of Olubadan Advisory Council for his nomination as Olubadan-designate and the cordial relationship existing between them.
He expressed his unalloyed gratitude to other chiefs, mogajis, baales and the mammoth crowd that came out to welcome him.
He assured them that peace, progress and monumental development that they were yearning for would be surely provided.
