• President Recalls His Struggles With Monarch
• New King Demands Creation Of Ibadan State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday expressed excitement to witness a moment of history with the installation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja, a former senator and former Governor of Oyo State, was installed at the historic Mapo Hall by Governor Seyi Makinde in line with extant laws.
The event was also witnessed by Governors Ademola Adeleke, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Abiodun Oyebanji of Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states respectively; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Niyi Akintola, Prof. Soji Adejumo, Aderemi Oseni, a former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutia Olayinka Ladoja; Senator Sarafadden Alli, Dr. (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, Deputy Speaker Mohammed Abiodun Fadeyi, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Sambo Dasuki and members of the Oyo State Executive Council.
Traditional rulers present included the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and a host of others.
From the religious circle were Primate Sunday Ola Makinde and many Muslim leaders in the country.
Speaking, President Tinubu described Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers as a historic moment, exuding joy and excitement to be part of those witnessing the history.
“It is a great excitement for me to feel at home. I enjoy the moment of history. It is a moment of honour for me to be here as the President of the country to witness history,” Tinubu said recalling the history and travails he had shared with the Olubadan for the progress of the country and democratic development.
“It is a moment of history that you are ascending the throne of your forebears. May you continue to celebrate and live long in joy and sound health,” he prayed.
The President described Ladoja as a renowned businessman and patriot, who is reliable and resilient, disclosing that they have both been in the trenches in the past and passed through travails in their political lives.
He lauded former governors Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and monarchs present.
President Tinubu also seized the opportunity to reassure Nigerians that the nation’s economy was on the path of recovery, noting that the sacrifices and resilience of the people were beginning to yield progress and growth.
“Your suffering and perseverance have yielded growth and prosperity. The economy has turned the corner. It is a painful surgery. The moment of prosperity and growth await us,” Tinubu said.
Presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office to Oba Ladoja, Arusa 1, Governor Makinde said the presentation was in exercise of his power as enshrined in the extant laws.
“The excitement we have seen today shows that we must uphold our tradition. All challenges associated with the traditional institution are now over. I join the people of Oyo State, sons and daughters of Ibadan, to pray that your time will bring peace, progress, and prosperity to Ibadan and Oyo State,” Makinde said.
He also thanked Tinubu for gracing the occasion, while describing the monarch as his father.
In his acceptance speech after receiving the staff of office, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to Tinubu, Makinde, his former colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and others for honouring him.
The royal father pledged to be king for all and work for the service of his people.
“I am not surprised that the President is here. This is where you got your wife. Ibadan is the home for all the Yoruba. I am not a king for Ibadan alone but for all who reside in the city or have passed through it,” Ladoja said.
He reiterated his readiness to rededicate the rest of his life for the service of his people, Oyo State, Nigeria and Africa, adding that all sons and daughters of Ibadan shall have jobs.
The new king also requested from the President the creation of Ibadan State out of the current Oyo State.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal said it was a homecoming for the President. He congratulated Oba Ladoja for the prestige of witnessing the auspicious occasion.
Earlier, in their goodwill messages, the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaiman Ajewole; the Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; and the Agbaoye of Ibadan, Chief Bola Kareem, prayed for a peaceful reign for Oba Ladoja.
They described his ascension to the throne as unique, exceptional, and historic, noting that he had previously served as both a senator and governor of the state.
