The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have stressed the need for unity across Yorubaland, insisting it must begin with traditional rulers if meaningful progress is to be achieved.
The monarchs made the call on Sunday when the Ooni paid a historic visit to the Olubadan-designate at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
Responding to the Ooni’s remarks, Oba Ladoja said many dignitaries who had visited him since his selection had consistently urged him to prioritise the unity of traditional rulers and the entire Yorubaland as a divine task.
Highlighting the importance of solidarity, the Olubadan-designate noted that a united traditional institution would be difficult for government to undermine, while also accelerating development and growth in the region.
He added that the overwhelming support and assurances from prominent Nigerians who have pledged to attend his coronation on Friday, September 26, reflect the presence of diverse tribes and political divides in the nation.
Oba Ladoja also appealed to Nigerians, regardless of tribe or political leaning, to always work towards a united country, warning that any crisis would affect everyone collectively.
Commending the Ooni for his reconciliatory leadership among traditional rulers, Ladoja said he would not take the Ooni’s decade-long experience on the throne for granted and would rely on his support as he ascends the Olubadan stool.
Oba Ladoja said, “Like I told all the monarchs who had come to visit, the experience of governance, the antics of politics and business are very different, I don’t have yet the experiences that you have on the throne because ten years on the stool is not a small task. So, I am saying to you that you will be one of my teachers.
“I said the same thing to all other monarchs who have visited me. The Soun of Ogbomoso has been here, Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Onpetu, Aseyin of Iseyin even others from far and near. Even politicians, all those we served together as governors including Oyinlola, Mimiko, Aregbesola, Daniel, Fayose, Amosun, Adeleke they have all come to greet me. I am really thankful.
“And all the monarchs and governors who came keep assuring me that for God to have preserved me meant that He still has a task for me. And that the only thing they will keep asking and reminding me to pursue is the unity of Yorubaland. The unity of Yorubaland should start from the unity of traditional rulers because if the monarchs are united, the government won’t be able to penetrate our midst.”
Ladoja who was so elated at the visit harped on the cordially that had existed over the years between Ibadan and Ife, saying both ancient towns belong to everybody.
He also appealed to the Ooni to remain focus on the task of unifying traditional rulers, saying, “I know you are celebrating the Olojo festival and you are not suppose to be out. But, because of the love you have for me, made you come to inform me ahead that you won’t be around at the coronation, but I know you will be represented.
“When our forefathers are sowing these seeds, we don’t know it, and if you look at it, those who established Ibadan came from different places to build a fortress together.
“As the Ooni has said, Ibadan progenitors came to establish the town for all of us because every Yoruba man must all have a house in Ibadan. Every Yoruba traditional ruler who has not been to Ibadan or who don’t have a house in Ibadan hasn’t fulfill the mandate because Ibadan is not for those of the past alone.
“We are really blessed. It is because of how Ibadan was started. Everyone would come to Ibadan will always be successful. There’s no one who come to this town who hardly fail, either he was born here or live here or pass through Ibadan, he will always succeed in life.
“Kabiyesi, just the way we all owe Ibadan, so also all Yorubas owe Ife, and God has placed Ooni as the Arole of Oodua to keep taking care of all of us and God will help you to lead us aright. Kabiyesi, I thank you for the support, because when things are really tough, you stood by me and helped a whole lot.
“We are all happy that the Ooni is here seated. We are all happy with you very well because you are a monarchs who ties people together and you are a monarch who doesn’t inherit enemy.
“I have heard all you said, that all those who offended me should be a bygone. It’s in the past. I thank you for your counsel. There are some lessons to learn from you. Somebody might be older than another, but what someone hasn’t done before, he can’t understand it. There is experience. It is different from position or academic qualifications. I will need to learn so many things from him.
“But, I want to appeal that you exercise some more patience, and help us do more on how Yorubaland will remain united. Although we (Ladoja) understood the language of the politicians, but you understood the language of the traditional rulers, if we put everything together and combine ours with yours, we will succeed.”
Ladoja also added that he will use the opportunity of his reign to ask the Federal Government for the creation of Ibadan state, so as to help the state achieve more as the political headquarters of the Western region.
“The man at the helms of affairs now is our man and I have told him (Mr President), we have fixed it for 26th and he said without any hesitation that he will come. And all the ministers and cabinet members are also assuring that the President will be present. All these are so encouraging to us.
“What we will ask the President is that, we also want Ibadan state. That is when Ibadan will be able to function well as the former capital of Western region because there won’t be any hindrance. Ibadan isn’t enjoying anything at the moment and we want the status to change. Ibadan is an important city in the scheme of things.
“We are happy to have Ooni in our midst. Thank you for coming. We are really happy. You have honored us with this visit and we know it is only because you loved us, we are really grateful.”
He also commended the Ooni for the various philanthropic and developmental gestures, especially through job creating and empowerment for the youth and women, saying, he is giving a new definition to what monarchy used to be.
“Hear all what the Ooni is doing, he is empowering the youths and providing jobs. Life has gone beyond what it used to be and traditional rulers are just no more taking over people’s wives and or just wearing beads around.
“They are now master-servants. Kabiyesi is providing jobs for the youths now, it doesn’t use to be the priority of traditional rulers, but see what the Ooni is doing, providing jobs for many people an showing care for the people. It is commendable and worthy of emulation “, the Olubadan added.
Speaking earlier, Oba Ogunwusi, who was visibly elated and excited at the large turnout and reception accorded him by the residents and Indigenes of Ibadan said Oba Ladoja has been a strong pillar of support to him for many years and as such is so happy that God made him the next Olubadan.
According to him, Oba Ladoja will be the first traditional rulers to have served as governor and Senator in the region.
The Ooni said, “I was very happy when I heard that Baba Ladoja has become the Olubadan-designate, I am happy that he became the Olubadan-designate at God chosen time, he has had a lot of experience being a former Senator and former Governor of the state.
“Baba Ladoja has been a pillar of support to me both morally and spiritually since ten year ago when I became the Ooni of Ife.
“I’ve always been praying for Baba Ladoja to become the Olubadan particularly whenever we are doing Olojo festival and I’m in the seclusion.
“I called Baba Ladoja when I heard about his nomination as the 44th Olubadan designate to rejoice with him, Baba Ladoja is fortunate and people are happy with him.”
He said all Oba Ladoja should be concerned now is the development, progress and unity among Ibadan Oba’s and Yorubaland at large, adding that the Olubadan-designate has became an honey everyone wanted to taste praying, “Your reign as Olubadan will be different, this Olubadan has had a lot of experience.”
He however urged Ibadan people to rally and support Ladoja so that he can have successful tenure as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.i
“Ibadan will receive high profile visitors during the coronation ceremony of Baba as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. I am imploring the residents and indigenes of Ibadanland including myself because I was born in Ibadan to display the hospitality nature that the ancient town is known for.
“Baba cannot do it all alone. He needs our support as traditional rulers, residents and indigenes of the land. God has been gracious to you, my prayers is that God grant you long life and good health on the throne of his forefathers
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of gift to the Olubadan-designate.
