The Olubadan-designate Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja has disclosed that the unity among Yoruba rulers is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.
Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State noted that for Yoruba race to move forward and assert it’s rightful position in the royal committee of nations, there is a need for all traditional rulers in the race to unite and speak with one voice.
The Olubadan-designate made these assertions when he received the Ooni of Ile -Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi at his Bodija Ibadan residence on Sunday.
In a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, the Olubadan-designate noted that there is a need for the traditional rulers in Yorubaland to close ranks and move forward.
Ladoja while addressing the gathering, noted that nothing good can be achieved in the absence of peace and tranquility.
He expressed his unalloyed gratitude to Ooni of Ile Ife and his entourage for the unique royal congratulatory visit to him despite his tight schedules
He enjoined all traditional rulers in and outside Ibadanland, Ibadan sons and daughters as well as non – indigenes and residents to give him maximum and needed support to successfully navigate the traditional journey he is embarking upon.
He said, “There should be no division and rancour among us in order to promote and preserve cultural,socio – economic and peaceful – co existence in Yoruba land as well as Nigeria as a whole.
“Nothing meaningful can be achieved where there is division, acrimony and the pollution of our Cultural heritages and values as Yoruba people have their distinct culture with it’s traits of mode of language, mode of dressing, festivals, religion, humility with bravery,diet ,mutual respect for one and another and belief in peaceful co – existence among others
“I had served as politician, Senator, Governor, business manager,but now as the Olubadan with different experiences,Oba Ladoja sought the support of other traditional rulers particularly the Ooni of Ile Ife to see him through the royal journey.
Earlier in his speech, Oba Ogunwusi disclosed that he is fulfilled seeing Oba Adewolu Ladoja being enthroned as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the enthronement that he has been long ago awaited but happening in their life time.
Ogunwusi emphasised that there is little or no difference between Ibadan and Ile Ife as many of his progenitors lived in Ibadanland before their enthronement as Ooni of Ile Ife and that Ibadan and Ife have many things in common ranging from desire for unity of not only among the traditional rulers but all sons and daughters of Yoruba race, occupation,love for one another and desire to move Yoruba land forward
He sought for the unprecedented support, advice, loyalty, prayers to see the new Olubadan through in his new assignment as Olubadan of Ibadanland
The Ooni of Ile Ife later gave royal blessings to Olubadan-designate. It centered on security, longevity of life, blessings, sound health and God’s protection among others.
Later the duo exchanged royal gifts as a symbol of loyalty, friendship and appreciation.
Ogunwusi was accompanied by other royal fathers from Ile- Ife and other important dignitaries too many to mention their names
Welcoming the Ooni and his entourage to Ladoja’s residence were some members of Olubadan Advisory Council led by Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, Mogajis, Baales, Chief Dotun Sanusi (Okanlomo) of Yorubaland, Ibadan sons and daughters as well as residents dancing to the Yoruba traditional music.
