By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and the Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, Peiter Leenknegt on Tuesday discussed the possibilitiea of bilateral business and economic relationship between Belgium and the ancient city of Ibadan.
The parley held when the Belgium Ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan at the Oke-Aremo Palace, Ibadan, Oyo State.
During the meeting, Leenknegt commended the government for the diversification of the econonmy from the oil and gas sector to the agricultural sector.
He disclosed that Cocoa that the Country is known for has taken over the oil and gas at the International market.
He said, “Since 2024, cocoa has been over taking crued oil as the main export product from Nigeria to Belgium.
“For this fact, the price of cocoa has risen, and I think that is a good thing for the farmers which means they will be making better livelihood. That also shows that our commercial relations are diversifying beyond.”
Reacting, Oba Ladoja said his main focus now is to protect all residents in the ancient city, irrespective of their tribe, religious or political inclinations.
Ladoja said, “My ascension to the throne of Ibadanland is divine. As I said, it’s not the Ifa oracle that chooses Oba for Ibadan. It is not money that chooses for Ibadan. It is long life granted by God. And I’m very happy that when the Ambassador was talking, he was talking in the same sense that the role of Kabiyesi nowadays is different from the role it was in 50 years ago.
“They look more up onto us for support. One of our responsibilities, as Olubadan, is to make sure that, there is peace in Ibadanland which we are already working on.
“We cannot talk about peace without talking about the stomach infrastructure. We have to find away of engaging our youths, maybe when they are busy, when they are well taken care of, the incident of drugs addiction which is now threatening the founding of Ibadanland will be tackled.”
He appreciated the Belgium government to partner and collaborate with Ibadanland, adding that the city has enough farmland for agriculture.
“Let me appreciate the intellectual and financial capacity of the country. They have it, the Ambassador has assured me that whenever we knock, they will be there to assist us.
“Ibadan has been there for other Yorubaland. We have our own mineral resources which we can also talk today. We have agricultural land which means that either the grass land you want to use, we have it, whether forest we have it. That’s why Ibadan is different from many other places.
“The Ambassador has introduced the platform which I intend to exploit immediately. He said they have a committee of French speaking Ambassadors in Nigeria.
“The two of us will discuss, and I will be very happy to host all of them in Ibadan very soon so that with them, we will plan how we can transform Ibadan, not only the fact that we are leaving on the history of first but to continue moving fast so that nobody will catch us. We are first already, we are Pacesetter and we want to remain so”, the monarch added.
In a related development, the Olubadan, Ladoja has urged traditional rulers to lead by example so as to sanitize the traditional institution.
He made this call while receiving the Olofin Isheri Olofin of Lagos, Oba Ibrahim Bello at the Olubadan Palace Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
“Isheri town has many things in common with Ibadanland such as seeking for peaceful co-existence, promotion and preservation of Yoruba cultural values, love of our people and desire to take our towns to enviable position.
Earlier, Oba Lawal appreciated Olubadan for the warm reception accorded him and the members of his entourage.
“We are in your palace to learn more about your leadership qualities and litany of achievements so as to reach our desired goals in life and replicate such achievements.”
He prayed God to endow Ladoja sound health and longevity of life in the service of God and humanity.
Dignitaries at the occasion were members of Olubadan Advisory Council and other traditional title holders.
