By Tunji Oladejo
Ibadanland breathes optimism with the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, hailed by traditional leaders like Chief Bamitale Folorunso Durojaiye Ige, Baale of Olounde, Oluyole Local Government and Head of Baales in Ibadanland, as the leader Ibadanland needs at this crucial moment.
Chief Ige’s confidence stems from Oba Ladoja’s rich tapestry of experience as an educationist, seasoned politician, accomplished businessman and entrepreneur, positioning him to drive progress and development.
For principled leadership, Chief Ige described Oba Ladoja as a monarch unswayed by external pressures or personal interests.
For his vast experience as former Senator and Governor of Oyo State, Chief Ige said these showcase governance acumen.
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“He is expected to improve the lives of indigenes and settlers alike”, Chief Ige said.
On Ibadan statehood, a longstanding aspiration,
Chief Ige echoed widespread sentiment among Ibadan traditional leaders advocating for Ibadan State creation. “Ibadan is too big to remain under one state,” he asserted, highlighting historical inequity. Ibadan remains the sole regional headquarters from the 1960s without statehood, unlike Enugu and Kaduna.
Oba Ladoja is seen as poised to champion this cause, aligning with renewed agitation.
Oba Ladoja’s leadership is seen by the Baales as development and greater recognition for Ibadanland.
Chief Ige underscored security concerns in Oluyole Local Government, notably threats from herdsmen, kidnappers and bandits along the Ibadan/Ijebu-Ode road. However, he lauded collaborative efforts by the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, local government and security agencies in restoring relative peace.
Oba Ladoja’s coronation drew Nigeria’s political and traditional elites, including President Bola Tinubu, signaling Ibadanland’s cultural and national significance.
With prayers for peace, unity and prosperity from groups such as the Oyo State Muslim Community, the University of Ibadan Muslim Community, where Oba Ladoja is a dignity and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, stakeholders anticipate Oba Ladoja leveraging his statesmanship for Ibadanland’s renewal.
Ibadanland’s future appears promising under Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s stewardship, blending revered tradition with aspiration for modernisation and recognition.
Tunji Oladejo writes from the University of Ibadan via oladejo65@mail.com
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