Oba Ladoja Pledges to Serve Ibadan People, collaborate with government at all levels
By Adewale Owoade
The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has pledged to serve Ibadanland and its people with the rest of his life.
The monarch made this commitment during a thanksgiving ceremony held at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, after his coronation.
Oba Ladoja expressed his desire to collaborate with government at all levels, described his new role as a leadership position, emphasising his commitment to ensuring peace and development in the ancient city.
“We are all governing Ibadan, I’m just the coordinator, you people are the small Olubadan, I’m the big Olubadan.
“Ibadan will be great by God’s grace with your support, I’m now king of all religion, Ibadan is a fertile land, it shall continue to be well with Ibadan.”
Oba Ladoja however thanked Ibadan people and well-wishers for their support.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, describing it as a divine mandate.
According to him, Ladoja’s longevity is a crown of grace and his enthronement is divine mandate which entrusted him to peace, unity and progress of Ibadan people.
He commended the monarch for commencing his reign with an act of thanksgiving and pledged the church’s support and prayers.
“Oba Ladoja has set forth a shining light example of interfaith goodwill and mutual respect which will long endure as a legacy of his reign.”
Abegunrin said the church and Christian community in Ibadanland commended Ladoja as a father, leader and custodian of Ibadan heritage, pledging the church continue prayers and support as the church look forward in collaborating with the monarch in promoting justice, peace, and common good for all residents of Ibadan.
He however prayed that God will bless Oba Ladoja with continue good health, wisdom from above and divine guardians to rule with justice, compassion and courage.
Amb. Bolowei Ogoba, the Executive Chairman of Bolowei’s World, described Oba Ladoja as a very humble man, that Ibadanland will enjoy is reign.
Also, Amb. Dr Samantha Simone, Distinguished Ambassador of the African Union, said Oba Ladoja will bring peace and unity to Ibadan, that he is a beacon of hope.
Well-wishers expect Oba Ladoja to bring about significant development to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria, building on his experience in politics and community service.
The event was attended by the Olubadan-in-council, family of the monarch, Iyalode’s, and well-wishers.