…New monarch warns against land grabbing
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Friday officially presented the staff and instruments of office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.
The installation of Oba Ladoja and the coronation held at the Mapo Hall, Ibadan, confirm him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The occasion had President Bola Tinubu present, past governors and senators, as well as other dignitaries within and outside Nigeria in attendance.
Makind, while presenting the staff of office, said the monarch’s ascension is a fulfilment of destiny and a continuation of Ibadan’s proud cultural heritage.”
While saying the installation of Ladoja was not just a traditional exercise but a unifying moment for the people of Ibadanland.
“This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu, in his address, lauded the tenacity of Ladoja, saying he had faced many challenges as governor, which led to his removal, but I was happy that the former governor was reinstated.
Tinubu said, “I salute your determination and perseverance despite the challenges he faced during his infamous impeachment in the state.
I can’t mention details, but I remember your determination, courage, perseverance and resilience. Today is an important occasion. I am happy to witness the history and your coronation. It is a great honour and moment of history that you ascend the throne of your forebears. It is my honour.
“I take this opportunity to salute former governors, Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gbenga Daniel. This moment is not for long speeches. To many of you here present today, I am honored.There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel”, Tinubu said.
In his inaugural speech, the new monarch, who appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders who were present, stated that Ibadan is home to the entire Yoruba race.
“I greet the President, my good friend, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. You are welcome. If you are not from Ibadan, you met Remi in Ibadan, and I am happy she is your pillar. I am happy that Ibadan is the home for all Yoruba.
“Any Yoruba who has no house in Ibadan is yet to have a house. I am happy for the life of our governor; all Ibadan indigenes are the sons and daughters of Ibadanland.
He added that some people thought Ibadan will be in crisis. “We have settled it. Ibadan has only one room but different windows. We settle things by ourselves. I am happy that the kingmakers, who are the members of Olubadan-in-Council, are happy.
“What is paramount is that we should have Ibadan State. God still want me to work more for the people. The people of Ibadanland, Nigeria and Africa. I will continue to work for the people. I want to thank the coronation committee”.
Oba Ladoja, however, warned traditional title holders not to use their positions to snatch people’s wives and lands.
“I want to warn traditional title holders, among whom are Mogajis, Baales, and chiefs, not to use their positions to snatch people’s wives and lands. All the traditional title holders, you have work to do. You have many roles to play. Do not snatch people’s wives and lands. I hope you are all listening to me. That is not your role.
Present at the occasion were those who attended the event, including Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel, former governors of Ogun State, as well as Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District.
Others were Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and Owa Abokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup.
Also in attendance are the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Dauda Akinola, Deputy governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja; former First Lady of Oyo State and one of the wives of the new Olubadan, Mutiat Ladoja; members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, executive members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), representatives of professional bodies, prominent indigenes of Ibadanland and members of the Olubadan-in-Council among others.
