Ahead of the grand coronation ceremony of former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan on Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has felicitated with him.
This is as he also counseled Ladoja on the need to protect the sanctity of traditional rulership and respect political rulership.
Recall that Ladoja was removed from office in January 2006 when Obasanjo was president. He was only reinstated in December of same year by the Supreme Court.
Obasanjo, who is currently in New York, the United States (U.S.) attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), described the throne of Ibadan as “an exalted and responsible position”, stressing that it demands humility, patience, divine wisdom and tolerance.
In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president prayed for the monarch in Yoruba language: “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese” (May your reign be long and prosperous).
Obasanjo declared that Friday’s coronation ceremony was only a formality, as Ladoja, a former Senator, is already the 44th Olubadan.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance of the formal announcement. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.
“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed.
“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guidance and direction of Almighty God”, he added.
