• Assures investors of enabling environment
• Obi apologises for referring to Ladoja as ‘my dear brother’
The newly installed 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, yesterday, pledged to focus his reign on economic revitalisation, youth empowerment, and fostering religious harmony across Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
Oba Ladoja gave the assurance during a thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Ascension of Christ Catholic Church, Bodija, Ibadan — his first public outing since ascending the throne.
The revered monarch, while addressing the congregation, assured both local and foreign investors of an enabling business environment in Ibadan, describing the city as a “fertile land for investment and economic growth.”
He, however, emphasised the urgency of reviving moribund industries, boosting youth employment, and promoting inclusive development, noting that the stool of the Olubadan is not about “beads or status,” but about facilitating the all-round progress of Ibadanland.
The monarch underscored the inclusive nature of Ibadan’s traditional leadership, stating, “We are all governing Ibadan. I am just the coordinator. You are the small Olubadans, and I am the big Olubadan.”
He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, highlighting Ibadan’s longstanding tradition of peaceful interfaith relations.
In his congratulatory message, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. (Dr) Gabriel Abegunrin, described Oba Ladoja’s enthronement as “a divine mandate,” and a manifestation of God’s providence.
He lauded the monarch for beginning his reign with thanksgiving, calling it a symbol of humility and a clear indication of his readiness to lead with a sense of sacred duty.
MEANWHILE, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has apologised to those criticising him for describing Oba Ladoja as “my dear brother.”
Obi had, at the weekend, published a goodwill message via his X handle to celebrate the coronation of Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, saying: “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Obi’s message was heavily criticised by his critics, who said that it is “disrespectful” for the former Anambra governor to describe Ladoja as his “dear brother.”
But responding to his critics, Obi said: “No disrespect intended.”
“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing.
“I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them.
“However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals, especially those close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect.
“I always refer to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
