The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Monday, urged former Governors of Osun, Ogun, and Ondo States — Rauf Aregbesola, Gbenga Daniel, and Olusegun Mimiko, respectively, to always pray for him so he can justify the confidence reposed in him by the people when he ascends the throne.
Oba Ladoja, who said his major focus upon ascending the throne would be to uphold the Yoruba traditional institution, made this call while hosting the trio of former governors at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He noted that he had been overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries who had visited him in recent weeks to congratulate him as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ladoja was nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The Olubadan-designate said, “You should all pray for me because I’m overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries who have been coming to pay homage from across Nigeria.
“Former governors, royal fathers, philanthropists, businessmen and women within and outside the state have been coming to pay homage since I was nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“As a result, people should pray for me. They should remember me so that I will be able to justify the confidence reposed in me, and I will be able to do good for our people.”
Speaking further, the former governor of Oyo State said his major focus when he ascends the throne would be to preserve tradition.
“My focus is how to unite the Yoruba people with the support of all our traditional rulers so that we can have a solid front.
“Our focus when I ascend the throne should be how to unite the Yoruba people, starting from the traditional rulers and then the politicians. Once elections are over, struggles should be over. People should join hands together for the development of Yorubaland. Once elections are over, contest should end and governance should begin,” he declared.
Earlier, the former Governor of Ogun State, Daniel, said the team was in Ibadan to congratulate Ladoja as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He said, “Ladoja is a great politician, great businessman, ship owner, and a great governor. We were elected as governors together. Two of us (Ladoja and Daniel) had corporate backgrounds among the five of us who were elected as governors in the South-West.
“When they wanted to recapitalise banks, Ladoja’s contribution was so meaningful that it led to the upgrade of Wema Bank.”
Also speaking, the former Governor of Ondo State, Mimiko, said, “We are here to congratulate Ladoja. His track records make us proud. We are his fans; that’s why we came here.”
In his own contribution, the former Governor of Osun State, Aregbesola, said, “We know Kabiyesi is now an elder, so no politics. We are just here to pay homage and show our readiness to attend the coronation.”
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