***Massive crowd as Ladoja is crowned 44th Olubadan
***President reunites with Kwankwaso, Oyinlola, Amosun, others
***Our expectations from Ladoja, by residents, groups
From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came a declaration on Friday that the economy is not only on the rebound but has begun to bear fruits.
He made the declaration at the installation of former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
Addressing the massive crowd that turned out for the ceremony and to also welcome him to Ibadan, President Tinubu said the economy had “turned the corner” from the difficult reforms introduced by his administration over the past 28 months, and a future of prosperity is now firmly in sight.
President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices and hardships endured by citizens, likening them to “a painful surgery” that would ultimately lead to national recovery and sustainable growth.
“Today, I am honoured and proud to give you the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
“Your suffering is the pain of a painful surgery, but it is now giving way to growth and prosperity awaiting us ahead.
“Thank you for your perseverance, your endurance, and your understanding,” the President added.
He had earlier congratulated the newly installed Olubadan, describing Oba Ladoja as a man of “impeccable resilience, unwavering determination, and steadfast reliability.”
Recalling their shared history as senators and governors, Tinubu lauded Ladoja’s political journey and perseverance.
The President prayed for the monarch’s long life, wishing him many prosperous years on the throne and describing the coronation as “one of the rare gems of history.”
President Tinubu said: “Let me salute and greet a renowned businessman, lucky imperial majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1. All other leadership here present, the Obas, the traditional leaders.
“Today is an exciting day. Kabiyesi, once again, happy birthday to you.
“It is a great honour for me to be here as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to witness your coronation, to witness history, all the things that you’ve started, the deliberations, the expectations, and the history that we shared together.
“For this country, it is a great honour, a moment of history, that you ascend the throne of your forebears.
“It is my prayer that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare gems of history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.
“It is my honour, my joy, my pleasure to wish you this day and many more days ahead, many more years of joy, prosperity and relevance in the institution of democracy, history, and of Obaship in Nigeria.
“Driving through from the airport was a great excitement for me to feel the homecoming, the cheering of the people and the joy on their faces.
“I enjoy the moment and I value the history of today. I appreciate all of you. Thank you very much.
“This moment is not for long speeches, but to give joy and prayer to the man of the moment, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
“If I start to recall the moment in the Senate and the struggle that we had together, you as the governor, the history of the impeachment, your comeback story, your perseverance, your resilience, your determination, your reliability, it’s impeccable.
“Kabiyesi, thank you.
“I greet all Ibadan, may the joy be lasting and may your children succeed in life.
“Thank you for supporting me.
“I came to this Mapo years ago to appeal for your support, you listened to me that it’s my turn and we are there already. Thank you.”
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the people of Ibadan for their overwhelming support during his 2023 presidential campaign, describing the warm reception in the city as one of the most memorable moments of his life.
The gathering witnessed a significant presence of political leaders whose attendance was acknowledged by the President.
Among them were former governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Donald Duke (Cross River), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), among others.
The President, who engaged them in warm handshakes at the occasion, noted that their attendance underscored the national significance of the occasion.
Olubadan chieftaincy system challenges over, says Makinde
In his remarks after presenting the staff and instruments of office to Oba Ladoja, Governor Makinde said the Olubadan traditional system and succession process are sacrosanct and must continue to be upheld.
He maintained that all challenges associated with the Olubadan chieftaincy system in recent years were over, even as he prayed that the reign of Oba Ladoja would usher in peace, progress and development in the city.
Presenting the staff of office to the new Olubadan, the governor said: “In front of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is here with us to celebrate the coronation and presentation of staff of office, I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Subsections 1 and 2 of section 20 of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1, laws of Oyo State, Nigeria 2000, and by virtue of all other powers enabling in that behalf, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.”
Governor Makinde congratulated all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, noting that the era of Oba Ladoja had begun to witness positive developments.
According to him, history was made on Thursday when President Tinubu landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, in the first wide-bodied aircraft to ever land in the facility.
Governor Makinde pointed out that the ascension of the new Olubadan was met with excitement by residents of the city, stating that this was an indication that the people want the Olubadan tradition to be upheld.
He said: “I congratulate all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in the Diaspora.
“The excitement everywhere in this city today shows that we must uphold our tradition.
“I want to say that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institutions are now over and behind us.
“What this means is that the tradition, the succession and process are now sacrosanct.
“We know everything about that succession.
“Today, history was literally made. The President landed at the Ibadan Airport with the first wide-bodied aircraft ever to land in Ibadan Airport.
“This shows that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments.
“So, I want to congratulate Kabiyesi and to say that his reign shall be peaceful, bring progress and development to Ibadanland.”
Oba Ladoja: I expect creation of Ibadan State before 2027
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja, whose arrival at Mapo Hall amid cheers, songs and dancing was preceded with his decoration with the traditional Akoko leave at the Ose meji Temple, said Ibadan is blessed with highly resourceful people, both indigenes and residents.
He noted that its forefathers made great decisions in accommodating leading federal establishments and private businesses, which he said must now give back to the people of Ibadan.
The new Oba pleaded with President Tinubu to make the creation of Ibadan State from the current Oyo State a reality before May 2027.
Oba Ladoja declared that his reign would be about service to Ibadan, Oyo State, Yorubaland, Nigeria and Africa, stating that he would serve the people to the best of his ability as, according to him, all that is left for him to do is service to humanity, since God spared his life to witness his 81st birthday and also attain the throne of Olubadan.
He also declared that his reign would be about urban renewal, as many of the communities in the city, which are fast becoming slums, would be rebuilt.
He said: “This staff of office that the governor, our son in whom we are well-pleased, has presented to me is a source of joy to all Ibadan sons and daughters.
“One year ago, some people thought Ibadan would scatter, but Ibadan has a way of settling its matters, and we are here today in unity and oneness.
“I appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Oyo State Government, and the Coronation Committee for this event.
“I also appreciate the Olubadan-in-Council; they all supported me.
“They are the kingmakers and if they did not agree to my nomination, I cannot be here today.
“I am assuring the people of Ibadan that since God spared me till today, I will serve them and I will do it with all my powers.
“There is nothing else I am looking for in life. Yesterday, I clocked 81. Some people do not have this privilege.
“So, I recognise that the fact that God spared me till date, what remains is to serve every resident of Ibadan, serve Oyo State, serve Yorubaland, serve Nigeria and Africa to the best of my ability.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, also congratulated Oba Ladoja, stressing that his ascension to the throne marked the climax of his resilient journey.
Lawal also appreciated President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, his wife, royal fathers and all dignitaries who witnessed the occasion and supported the Oyo State Government.
Similarly, in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Olubadan Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)), Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and commitment to tradition, describing the coronation of the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to Ibadanland.
The trio prayed that the reign of the new Olubadan would bring more growth, progress and prosperity to Ibadanland and Oyo State.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, while moving the vote of thanks, appreciated everyone that graced the occasion.
Oba Ladoja, peace-loving bridge-builder, says Speaker Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has described former Governor of Oyo State and newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as a peace-loving bridge-builder and one who possesses natural leadership qualities.
The Speaker congratulated Oba Ladoja who clocked 81 on Thursday and was crowned the 44th Olubadan Friday on his birthday and coronation.
In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, the Speaker described Oba Ladoja as one who possesses natural leadership qualities which has been exhibited in his political and traditional positions.
Speaker Abbas said Oba Ladoja is not just an elder statesman but a peace-loving bridge-builder whose reign as Olubadan promises to bring prosperity and unity to Ibadan and the Yoruba race by extension.
According to him, Oba Ladoja’s coronation as Olubadan comes at a time when he is pushing for a constitutional role for traditional rulers in the 1999 Constitution.
He sought the support of the new Olubadan in the push for the recognition of traditional rulers in the ongoing review of the Constitution by the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The Speaker expressed his commitment to the welfare of monarchs, noting that the 10th House under his leadership will continue to support causes that will empower traditional institutions.
While congratulating the people of Ibadan on the emergence of a new king, Speaker Abbas urged all stakeholders to support Oba Ladoja during his reign as Olubadan.
Fayemi congratulates new Olubadan
Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), has congratulated Senator Rashidi Ladoja on his coronation as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a press statement issued by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Dr Fayemi described the installation of Ladoja as Olubadan as “a fitting recognition of his illustrious contributions to public life and his enduring service to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.”
He said Senator Ladoja’s wealth of experience in politics, business, and community service would no doubt be brought to bear in further uniting the Ibadan traditional institution and enhancing the welfare of his people.
Fayemi expressed confidence that the new Olubadan’s reign would usher in an era of peace, prosperity, and stability not only for Ibadan but also for the entire state of Oyo.
“Senator Ladoja is widely admired as a man of integrity and courage. His ascension to the Ibadan throne is a source of pride, not only to the people of Ibadanland but also to all Nigerians who value leadership anchored on service and humility,” Fayemi said.
While praying for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the monarch, Fayemi urged the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State to rally round the new Olubadan to sustain the tradition of peace and progress for which the ancient city is known.
