The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday said Ibadan will soon experience a quick and positive economic transformation.
Oba Ladoja gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Association of Oyo State (FMCG) to the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
According to the monarch, it is better and profitable to be manufacturers than distributors to Maximise gains and provide employment opportunities.
“To alleviate the problems confronting manufacturing industries in Ibadanland, such as electricity, water, roads, among others, the Olubadan In-Council has established the Economic and Investment Committee to address the aforementioned challenges”, he said.
In her speech, the originator of the FMCG Oyo State branch, Alhaja Apeke Tunrayo Adeogun, congratulated Oba Ladoja for his ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland and prayed for sound health, prosperity and longevity of life for the monarch.
She assured the Olubadan that FMCG will contribute its quotas to the economic development and progress of Ibadanland.
In a related development, the management of JAIZ Bank PLC, Ibadan branch, paid a solidarity visit to Olubadan.
The Group Head, Mr Ismail Arowolo, also pledged the bank’s support for the rapid economic development of Ibadan city, as well as for corporate bodies and individuals.
The event was honoured by Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Abiodun Azees, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland; Mogaji Jelil Adepoju of Akoto compound; and Alhaji Aare Dawud Makanjuola Akinola De – damak, the Aare Musulumi of Ibadanland, among other dignitaries.
In other news, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja,has urged newly promoted chiefs to embrace their titles as a call to serve, stressing that traditional leadership is no longer about glamour but about measurable impact on the community.
The monarch gave the charge in Ibadan during the promotion of seven senior chiefs in the Otun Olubadan line, an event attended by dignitaries from across the state and beyond.
Declaring that the “era of glamour in royalty is gone,” Oba Ladoja said modern traditional leadership demands compassion, responsibility and an active commitment to the welfare of the people.
“Now, royalty is about what you have to offer your community,” he told the gathering. “It is about ministering to the needs of the indigent in our midst. It is about ameliorating the condition of our people.”
The Olubadan expressed confidence in the newly elevated chiefs, describing them as individuals of means and influence who are well-positioned to impact lives across Ibadanland positively.
Those promoted include veteran journalist Oloye Lekan Alabi, who becomes the Abese Olubadan; Senior Chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, now Maye Olubadan; and Senior Chief Saka Fola Lapade, the new Ekefa Olubadan.
Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, was elevated to Agbaakin Olubadan, while Senior Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi became Aare Alaasa Olubadan. Senior Chief Raufu Delesolu and Senior Chief Hammed Lanihun were promoted to the rank of Ikolaba Olubadan and Asaaju Olubadan, respectively.
