The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has described the emergence of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to Ibadan land and Oyo State traditional council.
Oba Alao, who is the vice chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, stated this during a courtesy visit to Oba Ladoja at his Bodija, Ibadan residence on Thursday.
He said the whole Oyo State should be happy because history has been made.
“The whole Oyo State should be happy because history has been made today, not only in Oyo State but across Nigeria, that the one time former governor now become a paramount ruler of one of the greatest cities and the largest city in Africa.
“To Oyo State traditional council, it’s a blessing to us, because it is an added value to us. We need a personality like this in our traditional institution.
“With my consultations with other traditional rulers, everybody will work with you. We will all work together with Oyo State Government. I want to use this opportunity to let everybody know; our roles are advisories, we do not have executive power. By so doing, we will work with federal, state, local and all stakeholders to ensure that peaceful coexistence and development of our domains,” Olugbon said.
Oba Alao noted that the traditional rulers first priority is Oyo State, adding that the state is above “our own personal ambition and I know that as we have the new Olubadan as part of Oyo State traditional council, I think we are blessed.”
He continued: “We can’t wish his well of experience away, there is no state that is as blessed as Oyo State. I do tell people that if Oyo is not destroyed, the entire Yoruba land can’t be destroyed. But if anything happens to Oyo, the entire Yoruba land is gone, it depends on us.
“The peaceful coexistence and development of Oyo State is paramount in our hearts. We will work with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and all the local governments.”
The monarch promised that Oyo State traditional council will support and work with Oba Ladoja, stressing that peace of the entire Yoruba race is not negotiable.
Speaking, the Olubadan-designate, commended Olugbon for his leadership role and the encomium showered on him.
“I appreciate Olugbon for his support for me and Ibadan land. I appreciate the love you showed when you called me and all the entire Yoruba rulers that called such as Ooni of Ife , Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, Aseyin of Iseyin and others. The reception I have received so far surprised me, I don’t deserve it, but I thank God for counting me worthy.
“Please, help me tell other traditional rulers to join hands. We are supposed to relate with each other with love, because our territory is different to each other.
“I have the privilege to speak with the Baales, I told them that, if you need anything, let us know because you are not only meant to sell lands, you are to provide adequate security to your domain and I will hold you responsible for everything that is happening in your territory.
“Baale and Mogaji must all secure their territories. That is where we are going to start. We have problem of land grabbers during the time of the late Olubadan, and two Mogajis were removed. So, if we repeat that, it is not new, because such acts will scare investors. These are the things we want them to know and not be selfish,” he said.
Oba Ladoja urged all Ibadan indigenes to see his era as a collective responsibility, saying “anybody that has anything to offer is free to come.”
He said his reign will also give room for women, especially the Iyalodes who are very vibrant in their respective field.
“I discovered that we don’t use our women very well, look at the Iyalodes. Look at the materials we have there. Ibadan is growing in the sense that we look for the best that we can get and bring them here. People like Chief (Dr.) Onikepo Akande, Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan land, who is also a former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; former Registrar of the University of Ibadan and the Ekefa Iyalode of Ibadan land, Chief (Mrs.) Moji Ladipo; they are there, very vibrant people,” thr Olubadan-designate said.
