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Tag: Ladoja

  • ‘Ladoja will promote unity, cultural heritage’

    ‘Ladoja will promote unity, cultural heritage’

    A coalition of professionals and stakeholders under the aegis of Team Adebayo Adelabu in Diaspora, has congratulated Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his forthcoming coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    It described the moment as a fulfilment of history and a defining chapter in Ibadan’s traditional institution.

    In a statement signed by the group’s Global Coordinator, Mr. Lanre Owoyale, and Director of Communications, Mr. Rasheed Alatishe, the coalition felicitated the Olubadan-designate, noting that he would promote unity and cultural heritage of Ibadanland.

    The statement said: “On behalf of our team lead, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, members across Europe, the Americas and Africa, we felicitate His Royal Majesty, Senator Ladoja, on his forthcoming coronation. His ascension to the throne will not only be a blessing to Ibadan, but also Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. Baba Ladoja is a statesman of impeccable integrity, a unifier and a custodian of our cherished values. We pray that his reign will usher in peace, prosperity and sustainable development for Ibadanland and its people.”

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    The group hailed Ladoja’s track record of leadership in politics and community service, recalling his contributions as a former governor of Oyo State and his commitment to grassroots empowerment.

    The coalition took the opportunity to reaffirm its support for the 2027 governorship ambition of Chief Adelabu, the minister of Power. It described Adelabu as a visionary leader with the capacity to consolidate on the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and develop Oyo State.

  • Soun, Oyo Assembly delegation visit Olubadan-designate

    Soun, Oyo Assembly delegation visit Olubadan-designate

    A delegation from Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Deputy Speaker Muhammad Fadeyi, has visited the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his home in Ibadan.

    The visit was in recognition of Oba Ladoja’s recent approval by Governor Seyi Makinde as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, and to formally congratulate him on his ascension to the stool.

    Speaking during the visit, Fadeyi, who represented Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, described the emergence of Oba Ladoja as a divine and historic moment for Ibadanland, given his statesmanship, royal pedigree and long-standing service to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria.

    “The lawmakers prayed for a peaceful coronation and a successful reign, reaffirming the legislative arm’s support for traditional institutions.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    Oba Ladoja thanked the lawmakers for the visit and acknowledged the important role of the legislature in advancing good governance and preserving the cultural heritage of Oyo State.

     The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has paid a royal visit to Oba Ladoja at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.

    The visit, according to the monarch, was more than an engagement, but a historic encounter deeply rooted in tradition, mutual respect and shared aspirations for the future of Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland.

    Speaking during the visit, Oba Olaoye said the discussion between the two paramount rulers was based on unity, progress and the collective destiny of the Yoruba race.

  • Ladoja: let’s prioritise Ibadan’s urban renewal

    Ladoja: let’s prioritise Ibadan’s urban renewal

    The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged compound heads and community leaders to help chart a course to make the left-over of ancient houses in Ibadan liveable.

    He spoke at the weekend while welcoming hundreds of Ibadan mogajis, who visited him at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan home to congratulate him on his emergence as the next Olubadan.

    The monarch said a good number of mogajis were well off to initiate developmental programmes in their ancestral homes, but regretted that many had chosen to live in highbrow areas in the town such as  Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, Akobo and others.

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    He said some had not even convened family meetings for a long time to discuss family developmental activities since they received chieftaincy titles, adding that being a mogaji or chief in Ibadan wasn’t just a title but a responsibility.

    Oba Ladoja said: “We are looking at a situation where mogajis and chiefs will not abandon their ancestral homes. By so doing, you can positively impact the younger generation looking for mentorship. You lived in this same society and have become what God wants you to be.

    “Please, let’s encourage the people at the grassroots by staying with them and sharing with them.”

    Oba Ladoja said if community leaders could renovate old buildings and occasionally inhabit them, cases of drug abuse and other vices would be reduced.

    He said it was in order to change the narratives that he renovated his family house at Isale Osi, which he would be visiting as Olubadan from time to time.

    He, however, commended the efforts of some of the community leaders in assisting the needy in their homesteads through provision of scholarships for indigent students, and provision of conducive environment for genuine community development.

    He enlisted the support and co-operation of the mogajis and chiefs in his bid to restore Ibadan’s economic fortunes.

    The leader of Ibadan mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, congratulated the Olubadan-in-waiting.

    He hailed him for his vision, pledging the support and co-operation of family compound heads to the monarch.

  • Oyo fixes Ladoja’s coronation as 44th Olubadan for Sept 26

    Oyo fixes Ladoja’s coronation as 44th Olubadan for Sept 26

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday approved the nomination of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The approval follows the nomination of the former governor by the members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

    The governor has fixed September 26th for the coronation, a day after Ladoja’s 81st birthday.

    The conclusion was reached at a meeting held during Governor Makinde’s visit to Oba Ladoja at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan, home.

    The visit was Makinde’s first since the return of the former governor to the state, having been away before the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

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    The development is coming as a confirmation of the words of Oba Ladoja, who had told his guests on Monday that with his return to the state, he would meet relevant stakeholders to get a date for the coronation.

    Addressing the family members, associates and residents, Oba Ladoja had said he would also meet relevant stakeholders, including the governor, traditionalists: Oluwo and Araba, to facilitate his installation process, which, according to him, is coincidental.

    The Nation reports that Oba Ladoja, who was born in 1944, will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan on September 26, a day after his 81st birthday.

    At the meeting, a former President General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, was picked to chair the Coronation Committee.

    Names of other members were yet to be made public at press time.

    The Nation, however, gathered that there are indications that the coronation may not hold at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, due to the many guests and individuals  expected to show up at the event.

    A source said some individuals are likely to push for the use of either Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan or Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), Liberty Road, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

    But, it remains uncertain if the move will see the light of the day or be pushed forward by the members of the Coronation Committee.

  • Olubadan: Ladoja, kingmakers meet, deliberate on installation process

    Olubadan: Ladoja, kingmakers meet, deliberate on installation process

    Members of Olubadan-in-Council yesterday rose from a two-hour closed door meeting with Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to formally welcome him back home and discuss coronation formalities.

    Also dignitaries, including former Minister of Power, Elder Wole Oyelese, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Senator Teslim Folarin, chiefs, businessmen and community leaders stormed the Bodija, Ibadan home of Ladoja to pay royal homage to the Olubadan-elect.

    The council meeting, which took place between 11:25am and 1:20pm at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan residence, observed one minute silence in honour of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on July 7.

    Oba Ladoja was not in Ibadan at the time of the incident and burial.

    The meeting was the first which the former governor would attend with the council members in the past two and a half months.

    The delegation led by Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan.

    Read Also: Ladoja: Oba Olakulehin’s passage unsettled me

    They told Oba Ladoja that the public expectation of him was very high, noting that they would continue to pray to God to give him the ability to function.

    They later discussed issues concerning his coronation, especially as it affects cultural and ceremonial.

    The council envisaged that an unprecedented crowd of people would attend the coronation, and as such, everything should be gotten right.

    According to Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, members of the council also informed the Olubadan-elect of their willingness to serve in whatever capacity he so wishes before, during and after coronation.

    Earlier, the Olubadan-elect appreciated the members of the council over their unanimous ratification of his candidacy as the next Olubadan, although he was not at home to be physically present at the meeting.

    He promised them that as Olubadan, he would run a collective and an all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration their opinions.

    He solicited their support and co-operation to take Ibadan to the next level.

    Speaking on the coronation ceremony, Ladoja said Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders, including the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje had an important role to play in the coronation.

    He said now that he is back home, the stakeholders will meet to discuss the coronation details with the governor, noting that after this is done, the date agreed upon will be announced.

    He, however, assured the monarchs that the Olubadan-in-council will be carried along and whoever they nominate in the Coronation Committee will be sent to the state for approval.

    It was gathered that the meeting was rounded off with a lunch.

    Members of the Olubadan-in-council present at the meeting include: Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez.

    Others are Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.

    The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, sent his apology for being absent.

  • Olubadan: Ladoja meets kingmakers, deliberate on installation process

    Olubadan: Ladoja meets kingmakers, deliberate on installation process

    The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Ibadan kingmakers at his Bodija private residence.

    All the kingmakers were in attendance except the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was unavoidably absent.

    The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, was the first since Oba Ladoja’s return to Ibadan following the death of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakukehin.

    Confirming the development, the Olubadan-designate’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, said the deliberation was successfully held.

    He said, “The meeting was believed to have observed one minute of silence in honour of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, when Oba Ladoja was not in Ibadan. It was their first meeting with Ladoja in the past two and a half months.

    “The delegation led by Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, later congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan.

    “The king makers told Oba Ladoja that the public expectation of him was very high, adding that they would continue to pray to God to give him unction to function. They later discussed issues concerning his coronation, especially as it affects cultural and ceremonial aspects.

    “They envisaged that an unprecedented crowd of people would be attending the coronation, and as such, we should get everything right. They informed Kabiyesi of their willingness to serve in whatever capacity he so wishes before, during and after the coronation.

    “The Olubadan-elect had appreciated the members of the council for their unanimous ratification of his candidacy as the next Olubadan, even though he was not at home. He promised them that as Olubadan, he would run a collective and all-inclusive administration that would take into consideration their opinions.

    “He solicited their support and co-operation in taking Ibadan to the next level. As for the coronation ceremony, he said the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders, like the Araba and Oluwo Afobaje, have an important role to play in the coronation.

    Read Also: Olubadan: Ladoja holds first meeting with Olubadan-in-Council

    “He added that now that he is back home, they can meet to discuss the coronation details with His Excellency, the governor. It is after this is done that the date agreed upon will be announced.

    “But he assured the monarchs that the Olubadan-in-council would be carried along by him, and whoever they nominate in the state Coronation Committee will be sent to the state for approval.

    “The Olubadan-in-council present at the meeting are Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada, Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Asipa Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez. Others are Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin and Ekarun Balogun, High Chief Sharafadeen Alli.

    “The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, was believed to have sent his apologies for being absent.

    “High Chief Alli gave the vote of thanks. Several dignitaries visited Oba Ladoja. Former Minister, Elder Wole Oyelese, All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Senator Teslim Folarin, Chiefs, businessmen, men and community leaders.”

  • Ladoja: Oba Olakulehin’s passage unsettled me

    Ladoja: Oba Olakulehin’s passage unsettled me

    • Rousing welcome for Olubadan-designate

    The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said he was not prepared to ascend the throne, following the passing of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    Speaking yesterday at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan home, where he was received by hundreds of family members, Baales, associates and well-wishers, Ladoja said the news of Olakulehin’s death came as a shock to him.

    The Olubadan-elect, who had earlier visited his Isale-Osi family compound upon his return from Lagos, arrived at his Bodija home to the waiting hands of guests, friends and his cult-like followers and admirers.

    Noting that he was shocked at the news, Ladoja said he had thought Oba Olakulehin would be on the throne for at least five to 10 years, ‘’but no one can alter destiny.’’

    He said although the road to the throne was bumpy and rough, he remained grateful to God for sparing his life.

    The Olubadan-elect was also full of appreciation to the members of the Olubadan-in-Council for electing him to ascend the stool, saying if they had not agreed and selected him, there was nothing he could have done about it.

    Ladoja said: “I greet all of us here, good afternoon. I want to firstly condole with us on the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, may God rest his soul.

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    “When I heard of Kabiyesi’s (Oba Olakulehin’s) death, it was so painful to me because I told myself that I wasn’t ready. I thought he would reign for maybe five to 10  years, but the deed has been done.

    “October 1, 1993 was when we started this journey and the particular house and compound where we started was where we went earlier today to offer prayers.

    “When I got there, I still remember many of those who we were there together with on October 1, 1993 because I remember that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was there, he was President-elect at the time, Baba Adedibu was there, my father and mother were both there too, may their souls rest in peace.

    “Governor Ishola, Dr Raheem, Jimoh Aliu, Adebayo Akala, Orisabunmi and my very close friend whom we were installed on the same day was also there, Adebimpe. He has also gone to the great beyond. Many of my friends, actors and actresses were there on that day.

    “Then, I asked God why he spared my life. This means the task that God gave me has not been completed. And I know that God will give us power, wisdom, strength and knowledge that we will use to complete the task. I’m grateful to God for sparing my life.

    “There is a saying that, it is only God who selects Oba for Ibadan. Wisdom can’t select, money can’t do it. It is only the person who God allows to wait until his time that will become the king and I thank God for counting me worthy to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    “There are many coincidences, because I was born in 1944 and I am the 44th Olubadan, so I am thankful. I am also thankful to the high chiefs who approved that I should be the next Olubadan, because, if they didn’t agree and approved it, there is nothing I can do about it.

    “But, all the 10 of them who were there at the meeting agreed that I should be the Olubadan. I am grateful to them and I want to assure them that our collaboration will not falter because all of us, God has assigned for different tasks.”

    He said with his return to the ancient city, he would begin talks with stakeholders, including traditionalists, the governor and others on the processes for the enthronement.

    “By the grace of God, they will give us the day we will be enthroned. Now that I have returned, myself and all those who we should be talking, we will talk, as in the traditionalists, including Araba, Oluwo, the governor and all those we are ruling together, we will talk so that we will know how to go about it.

    “May this reign be comfortable and beneficial to us all. May there be money, wealth and peace in the town and for everyone.

    “I thank all journalists, the journey to the throne is not smooth. It was rough with hills, bumps and other challenges, yet God took us to the promised land. We are thankful to God for this too,” he added.

    The former governor called on the people to always support his reign with prayers, noting that achieving success could not be without the support from God.

    “I want to appeal to everyone to support us with prayers because there is no one who knows how to do it, it is only God that is perfect and does all things well. Let God lead us on the right path so that we can do it well.

    “The government of the day, may God lead them aright. At the federal, state and local levels, may God lead them all because when there is peace, this is when we will all have rest of mind. So I take this opportunity to remind us all that in all we will do, it is when there is peace, this is when there will be progress for the society.”

    Earlier, the former governor had visited his family house at Isale-Osi in Ibadan Southwest Local Government where he was received by family members and friends.

    He arrived in Ibadan at about 1:20pm to the waiting hands of his supporters at the Ibadan end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and led a long convoy of vehicles to the Isale-Osi family house.

    His family members had organised special prayers both in Muslim and Christian ways, in appreciation of the journey of his ascendancy to the throne, which started in 1993.

    With the development, it is expected that the installation process is set to begin after the nomination of Ladoja is assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    At press time, it could not be confirmed if the nomination letter earlier written by the Olubadan-in-Council, nominating Ladoja, had been delivered to the governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

  • I told myself I wasn’t ready when I heard of Oba Olakulehin’s death – Ladoja

    I told myself I wasn’t ready when I heard of Oba Olakulehin’s death – Ladoja

    The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has revealed that he was not prepared to ascend the throne following the passing of the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    Speaking on Monday at his Ondo Street, Bodija residence, where he was received by hundreds of family members, Baales, associates, and well-wishers, Ladoja said the news of Olakulehin’s death came as a shock to him.

    Read Also: Oba Olakulehin gets military honour as Makinde,COAS, family members, others bid farewell

    “I told myself I was not ready for the stool when I heard the news. I had thought Oba Olakulehin would be on the throne for at least five to ten years,” he said.

    The Olubadan-elect had earlier visited his Isale-Osi family compound upon his return from Lagos, before proceeding to his Bodija home. He noted that he was outside Ibadan at the time of Oba Olakulehin’s demise.

  • Olubadan: Ladoja arrives Ibadan, heads to family house

    Olubadan: Ladoja arrives Ibadan, heads to family house

    Former governor of Oyo state and Olubadan-elect, Rasidi Ladoja has arrived Ibadan.

    It was gathered that the ex-senator was received by his cult-like supporters at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and led a long convoy of vehicles to the Isale-Osi family house.

    The return of the former governor has been anticipated by many residents and indigenes for weeks.

    Read Also: Ibadan will witness peace, development under Ladoja’s reign as Olubadan – Olugbode family

    It remains unclear how long he would remain at the family compound as it was gathered that many visitors had lined up to pay royal visit to the traditional ruler at his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan residence.

    Detail shortly…

  • Ibadan will witness peace, development under Ladoja’s reign as Olubadan – Olugbode family

    Ibadan will witness peace, development under Ladoja’s reign as Olubadan – Olugbode family

    The descendants of Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode in Ita Baale, Ibadan, have expressed confidence that the city will experience greater development, peace, and tranquility during the reign of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.

    Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode, an Owu native, was the seventh traditional ruler of Ibadan, reigning between 1851 and 1864. 

    Historical records said that he was the one who introduced the Otun Olubadan line into the city’s chieftaincy structure.

    In a statement signed by Chief Tesleem Abiodun Olugbode, Mogaji of the Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode family and released to journalists on Tuesday, the clan congratulated Ladoja on his nomination as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing his wealth of political experience and business acumen as assets that will bring progress to the ancient city.

    The Otun Olubadan and former Oyo State governor was chosen by the Olubadan-in-Council to succeed the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away last month. 

    The family, speaking on behalf of all Olugbode and Owu descendants in Ibadan, expressed optimism that Ladoja’s leadership will usher in a new era of development for Ibadanland.

    “On behalf of the entire Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode and other Owu descendants both at home and in the Diaspora in Ibadan, I am using this medium to congratulate the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja on his nomination as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

    “Our projenitor, Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode was the 7th Baale of Ibadan and reigned for thirteen (13) years, between 1851-1864. Baale Oyesile Olugbode was the one who introduced the Otun Olubadan line to Ibadan traditional system. 

    “As we know, all Ibadan indigenes hailed from one place or the other, Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode hailed from Owu. We have many families that are also from Owu in Ibadan and all of them are under Baale Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode family. I am greeting Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja on behalf of all descendants of Olugbode and other Owu descendants in Ibadanland. 

    “The Ajayi Oyesile Olugbode family and other Owu descendants are happy today that Oba Ladoja has been nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan-in-Council. We have the conviction that his reign will witness more developmental projects, peace and tranquility. 

    “He is experienced, he has served as Senator, Governor and has served in different capacities at different times. As a former governor and business tycoon, we have the belief that he is capable to ensure that Ibadan wears a new look. 

    “We want to use this medium to appeal to all indigenes and residents of Ibadanland to give him the necessary support”.