The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, on Sunday assured of his commitment to serve Ibadanland and its people with the rest of his life.
The monarch, who said he still has a lot of things to do for Ibadanland described his new role as a leadership position, stating that his major concern now is how peace and development will continue in the ancient city.
Oba Ladoja, a former Senator and former Governor of Oyo State was on Friday presented with Staff and Instrument of Office as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
The monarch while speaking during a thanksgiving for his coronation held at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, said he will collaborate with government at all levels to ensure that Ibadan and Oyo State at large maintained its pace setter status.
According to him, “We are all governing Ibadan, I’m just the coordinator, you people are the small Olubadan, I’m the big Olubadan. Ibadan will be great by God’s grace with your support. I’m now king of all religion, Ibadan is a fertile land, it shall continue to be well with Ibadan.”
Oba Ladoja however thanked Ibadan people and well wishers for their support since his announcement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most. Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin who congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, described his installation as the new Olubadan as unfailing providence of God, who preserved the life of the monarch with strength and wisdom.
According to him, Ladoja’s longevity is a crown of grace and his enthronement is divine mandate which entrusted him to peace, unity and progress of Ibadan people.
The cleric lauded him for commencing his reign with an act of thanksgiving in the house of God, stating that the gesture of the new monarch reflected not only his humility before God but also deep recognition of the sacred duty of fostering harmony among all faith.
“Oba Ladoja has setforth a shining light example of interfaith goodwill and mutual respect which will long endure as a legacy of his reign”, he said.
Abegunrin added that the church and Christian community in Ibadanland see the monarch as a father, leader and custodian of Ibadan heritage, assuring that the church will continue to prayer and support him as it looks forward in collaborating with the monarch in promoting justice, peace, and common good for all residents of Ibadan.
He however prayed that God will bless Oba Ladoja with good health, wisdom from above and divine guardians to rule with justice, compassion and courage.
The event was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, family members of the monarch, and well wishers.
Kemi Olaitan
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