The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Tuesday declared that his enthronement had finally marked the end of his political journey, stressing that his primary duty henceforth is to serve humanity with fairness and justice.
The monarch made this known at his Bodija residence in Ibadan while receiving a powerful delegation led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who visited to congratulate him on his recent coronation.
Atiku, accompanied by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu; former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke; and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, apologised for their absence at the coronation, citing unavoidable logistical and protocol constraints.
“Kabiyesi, I want to begin with an apology. On behalf of my delegation, I regret our inability to witness your coronation, which we recognise as the fulfilment of your lifelong ambition. It was never deliberate but due to protocol challenges.
“We have always looked forward to this day, and I deemed it necessary to personally lead this team to pay homage and wish you a long, peaceful and prosperous reign,” Atiku said.
In his response, Oba Ladoja, who recently clocked 81, said he had completely withdrawn from politics, recalling his long-standing camaraderie with members of the delegation.
“My dear friends, welcome. Even though I am no longer a politician, the ties we share remain strong. Now that I am Olubadan, I am no longer entitled to be anything else. My task is to serve my people.
The rest of my years will be devoted to Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Africa and indeed humanity. Religious leaders have always said that what is expected of a leader is fairness and justice, and this I intend to uphold,” the monarch said.
Oba Ladoja also recounted his long relationship with Atiku and other members of the delegation, recalling how the former Vice President was the first to inform him about the passing of the last Olubadan.
The first-class monarch further pledged to promote peace, prosperity and justice under his reign, assuring his visitors that he would make all his friends and the people of Ibadan proud.
“I understood why you were not at my coronation. Such matters are beyond one’s control. There is nothing to forgive, for it was not deliberate. I am grateful for your visit today, and I look forward to keeping close contact with you all,” he added.
The visit was the latest in a series of congratulatory homages paid to Oba Ladoja since his historic coronation, which many indigenes and dignitaries described as the fulfilment of a long-standing dream and divine destiny.
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