By Adeyinka Adeniran
The 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party, (LP), Mr Peter Obi, alongside former governorship candidate of the party in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko on Sunday paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.
Obi during the visit urged Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religious or political affiliation to love each other and build united country, adding that loving each other is imperative in helping to build a better Nigeria.
Noting that Ibadan is very strategic and central to the development of Nigeria, the former Anambra State governor, explained that he came to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate because Ibadan is core to the political, social and economic development of Nigeria.
Speaking, Obi noted that Oba Ladoja as new Olubadan of Ibadanland will bring his wealth of experience as a former Senator, Governor and business tycoon to lead Ibadan to an enviable positions.
He said, “First, I’m here to pay my sincere respect to royalty, to the Olubadan designate before the installation. I’m here to pay respect for the man I give deep respect for.
“My visit is to congratulate him as the next 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. My visit is about Nigeria, about selfless leadership, leadership that is committed to turning our society around.
“Can we unite and love each other to build a better country? We have no other country except this one. We must all build it together for the benefit of everybody.
“I am optimistic that Oba Ladoja will bring his wealth of experience to bear as Olubadan. Ibadan is very strategic and central to the development of Nigeria. And as a former Senator, Governor, business tycoon, he will have all what he needs to succeed. And I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria.
“Most of the schools in Ibadan, University of Ibadan for example were attended by many people from different parts of Nigeria and they are making it in all areas of human endeavors,” he stressed.
Responding, Oba Ladoja while thanking the visitors said he sees his selection as Olubadan as another opportunity to serve the people.
He lamented that many people have the wrong notion about the throne, thinking its for glamour and fun.
Ladoja said, “I just see my appointment as Olubadan as another opportunity for service. Many people erroneously believe that the throne is for glamour.
“The time of glamour is gone, in contemporary times, it is about service, what you have on the table for the people in society,” he stated.
Also on Sunday, a member of House of Representatives representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ Iwajowa/ Kajola Federal Constituency, Shina Oyedeji and his counterpart from Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Adebayo Adepoju under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, visited the Olubadan-designate.
In their separate remarks, they explained that the visit became necessary because the former governor who is now the Olubadan is a father to all of them, adding that the Olubadan-designate had urged them to do well for their people.
They said, “We came here to pay homage to our Baba, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. He is a big man in Nigeria.
“Like I told him, he is not Olubadan of Ibadanland, he is Olubadan of Nigeria. It is our duty to come and pay homage to him. We can’t wait till after coronation. He (Ladoja) advised us to do well, he told us to make sure that we deliver and do well for our people.
“He told us to make sure we did not disappoint our people and make sure we deliver. Those are the things that we discussed.”
