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Tag: Rasheed Ladoja

  • Rasheed Ladoja sets new record

    Rasheed Ladoja sets new record

    Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja stands as a remarkable figure, often described as a unicorn, intentionally favored by his creator. Throughout his life, he has faced numerous challenges, yet his perseverance has consistently borne fruit, leading to rewarding outcomes. Ladoja’s political journey took a significant turn when he became the executive governor of Oyo State in 2003. During his tenure, he encountered formidable opposition from various quarters, notably from the presidency and renowned Ibadan political godfather, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. Adedibu orchestrated a series of unjust maneuvers, culminating in Ladoja’s impeachment, a move supported by the federal government under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Despite facing thuggish tactics, including illegal invasions of the state assembly orchestrated by Adedibu’s loyalists, Ladoja’s resolve did not waver. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled in December 2006, restoring him to office and affirming the illegality of his removal. This victory was a testament to both his tenacity and the constitutional principles underpinning democratic governance. During his time in office, Ladoja diligently fought to maintain his political legacy, grappling with the frustrations imposed by established political elites who disapproved of his independent stance and refusal to conform to their expectations.

    In the elections of 2007, Ladoja faced a setback when he lost his re-election bid to his former deputy, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala. However, rather than retreating into obscurity, he recalibrated his political strategy, plotting to hold those responsible for his earlier removal accountable while uniting other political factions to challenge his successor in the subsequent elections.

    The political landscape in Ibadan underwent a significant transformation during the governorship of the late Abiola Ajimobi, who altered the traditional kingship succession practices.

    This change required aspirants to the Olubadan throne to wear beaded crowns, a departure from centuries of monarchical tradition. Ladoja vehemently opposed these changes, asserting that he would not don the beaded crown until it was his rightful time to ascend to the Olubadan throne. Following the election of Governor Seyi Makinde, and after extensive consultations, Ladoja eventually accepted the beaded crown, marking a notable shift in his approach to the evolving traditions of the Ibadan monarchy.

    Read Also: Ladoja backs Rivers Emergency Rule

    As Otun Olubadan, he assumed a dignified role within the royal hierarchy, patiently awaiting his moment to ascend to the throne. The adage “a patient dog eats the fattest bone” aptly captures Ladoja’s experience as he prepared for a pivotal milestone in his life. For an Ibadan native, becoming Olubadan is a prestigious achievement, deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who reigned until the age of 90, Ladoja is poised to ascend to the throne of his ancestors, becoming the first former governor to do so while still living.

    Although currently in the United States for an engagement, Ladoja’s residence in Bodija has become a focal point for jubilant Ibadan locals who are eagerly anticipating his impending coronation. The atmosphere is one of celebration, with communities coming together to honor their former governor and the legacy he brings to the throne.

    Preparations are underway for his grand return to Nigeria; a warm reception awaits him at the Lagos airport, followed by a procession to Ibadan to prepare for the coronation rites in accordance with Ibadan customs and traditions. Many citizens are optimistic about Ladoja’s return, believing that his extensive political experience and influence will foster growth and development for the region. As history unfolds, Oba Ladoja’s name is likely to be etched in the annals of time as a record-breaking monarch, setting benchmarks that may remain unchallenged for decades to come.

  • BOT wants the best for PDP, says Adeniran

    BOT wants the best for PDP, says Adeniran

    A national chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), Prof. Tunde Adeniran, said on Monday that his endorsement alongside two other aspirants by the South West caucus of the party ‘s Board of Trustees ( BOT ) was for the party’s progress.

    The BOT caucus had in a document issued on Nov. 3 endorsed Adeniran, a former Minister of Education; Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the party, and Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a former Minister of Sports, for the party ‘s top position.

    Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, who signed the document on behalf of other members of the caucus, said the decision was to ensure the South West produced the next chairman and that quality leadership should at the convention.

    He said in arriving at the three candidates, the members considered such factors as acceptability, vision, experience, perception by members, winning chances, educational exposure among others.

    Oyedokun said the move was also to reduce election expenditure and avoid splitting of south west votes, and the ultimate objective was to arrive at a consensus candidate for the zone.

    He, however, said the endorsement was without prejudice to the right of aspirants to contest and did not preclude aspirants like former Ogun state governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel; former Oyo governor, Sen. Rasheed Ladoja; and a chieftain of the party in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, from contesting at the convention.

    Reacting, Adeniran told NAN through the Director -General of his campaign organisation, Chief Olukayode Akindele in Lagos that what the BOT members had done was for the progress of the party.

    He said what the PDP needed was a strong leadership, and that was what the BOT members aimed to achieve with the endorsement.

    “The prunning down of aspirants to three by the BOT members is a step in the right direction.

    “These are elders in the party who know what is good for the party and have taken a step to ensure the party gets the best.

    “It is not about personalities; it is about leadership. It is about giving the best to the party at this critical time that we are coming out of some challenges.

    “They have not said those not shortlisted cannot contest; they are only saying the endorsed aspirants meet important criteria necessary for leadership.

    “It is a step in the right direction, and for us, we thank the Almighty God for the endorsement,” he said.

    Adeniran insisted that he remained the best out of the three shortlisted candidates to lead the party to glory.

    He said he was a consistent and a dedicated member who had been with the party through thick and thin.

    The former minister said as a founding member of the party, he knew the party inside out and had the experience to pilot it to greatness.

    He expressed the hope and confidence that he would emerge the next chairman of the party based on the support he enjoyed among party members.

    The party will elect new national executive officers at its national convention on Dec. 9.

  • Oyo 2019: Re-alignment against ruling party will end in futility – APC

    Oyo 2019: Re-alignment against ruling party will end in futility – APC

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) Oyo State chapter, says the on-going re-alignment of forces by the opposition political players in the state ahead of the 2019 gubernatorial election would fail.

    This was contained in a statement by Mr Olawale Sadare, the party’s Public Relations Officer in Ibadan on Saturday.

    The leaderships of opposition political parties in the state, including the Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party have initiated a move to regroup against the ruling APC.

    The re-alignment is aimed at dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in the state in the 2019 elections.

    Prominent among the state political leaders in the move were former Gov. Rasheed Ladoja, former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, Mr Seyi Makinde and Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli.

    “We are a governing party that has distinguished itself as the only vehicle of good governance, peace and wholesome development desired by the majority of the people of Nigeria, including the good citizens of the state.

    “What they are planning is a civilian coup against the electorate but it would not see the light of day for many reasons.

    “Most characters involved in the gang-up have had opportunities in the past to impact positively on the lives of the people but they failed as a result of incurable traits of incompetence, selfishness and cluelessness,’’ it said.

    The party stated that many of the arrow heads of the alignment are ignorant of how government works from the way they criticize government policies and condemn its projects.

    The party stated that Nigerians would not support any alignment, re-alignment or gang-up from the same set of people that plunged the nation into economic mess.

    It counselled the sponsors of alignment and those who intend to benefit from it to realize that the effort would end up in futility.

  • Ladoja returns to PDP

    Ladoja returns to PDP

    Former Oyo governor Rasheed Ladoja, who defected to the Accord Party to contest the state’s governorship seat in the 2015 general elections, has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ladoja, along with Mr Seyi Makinde, a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state, moved to the PDP on Thursday in Ibadan, when Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, visited the Oyo capital.

    The former governor, who won the seat on the ticket of the PDP in 2011, said that he was returning to his home, adding that it was not his wish to leave the PDP when he did.

    “When I left the PDP some years ago, it was because of the injustice done to me.

    “We left because the PDP leaders, at that time, were not ready to protect the interest of all members. We are back now because the new leadership has promised to right all wrongs and avoid mistakes of the past.

    “I have discussed with members of the Accord party and they have asked for amnesty; we need assurance from Makarfi that Accord Party members will be given equal treatment and a level playing ground,” Ladoja stated

    In his response, Makarfi said that he came to Ladoja “to take you back to where you belong”.

    “We want you to return to your great beginning; we want to start all over again as one family,” he said.

    Makarfi expressed optimism that Ladoja’s presence would add value to the PDP in Oyo State, adding that he (Ladoja) had committed no crime to warrant a plea for amnesty.

    He implored PDP members to forget the past and work toward party unity, and assured Ladoja and new PDP members of equal opportunity for all.

    Makinde, in his remark, assured Makarfi of his group’s total support to the ideals of the PDP, urging him to protect the interest of his members.

    Two PDP chieftains, Chief Richard Akinjide and Chief Yekini Adeojo, who spoke at the occasion, commended Makarfi over his efforts to reconcile warring factions and “especially for wooing new members into the fold”.

    Akinjide particularly promised to assist Makarfi toward rebuilding the PDP, and urged him to carry all members along, so as to create a sense of oneness.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that hundreds of Accord party, SDP, and PDP supporters received Makarfi who also visited Chief Christopher Alao-Akala, another former Oyo governor being wooed by Makarfi.

  • Appeal Court reserves judgment in Ladoja’s suit

    Appeal Court reserves judgment in Ladoja’s suit

    The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on Wednesday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by former Oyo State Governor, Rasheed Ladoja, challenging the propriety of the corruption charges levied against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The appellate court arrived at the decision shortly after taking arguments from lawyers in the matter who had argued favourably on behalf of their clients.

    Presided over by Justice Sidi Bage, the court had at the last adjournment (November 20, 2012) noted that hearing Ladoja’s appeal will mount more pressure on the court, as each judge had about 10 judgments to deliver.

    Ladoja through his counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) had in his appeal filed in March 2010, prayed the court for an order quashing the criminal charge filed against him by the EFCC.

    In his notice of appeal, Ladoja contended that the proof of evidence placed before the lower court by the anti-graft agency had no nexus with the charge against him, and did not disclose any prima facie case against him.

    He asked the court for a declaration that the EFCC has no power, jurisdiction or authority to prefer any criminal charge against him.

    EFCC had arraigned Ladoja before Justice Ramat Mohammed of a Federal High Court, Lagos, in November 2008 alongside one of his former aides, Chief Waheed Akanbi, on an amended 10-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N4.7 billion.

    They were said to have conspired to convert properties and resources derived from an illegal act, with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the properties and resources.

    It was further alleged that Ladoja used about N42 million to purchase an Armoured Land Cruiser Jeep, and remitted about £600 thousand pounds to one Bimpe Ladoja in London.

    But, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail.