The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to foster unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.
Naijaonpoint reports that Oba Ladoja, while hosting the Ooni on Sunday at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasised that collective harmony between the traditional rulers remains vital for the progress of the Yoruba race.
He urged Ooni to focus on strengthening the cultural values and institutions that unite the traditional rulers, which will prevent the political class from manipulating them.
He said, “The experience of governance is different from the experience used in political intrigues and the business circle. I don’t have the experience Ooni has because ten years on the throne is no joke. By the grace of God you will be one of my teachers, I have said this to all the obas who have visited me.
“I want to use this opportunity to urge the Ooni to continue in his role as a unifier among Yoruba monarchs. His influence is beyond Ile-Ife, it spreads across Yorubaland, and we must tap into that for the growth of our people.
“All the governors that have visited me have been emphasising on the unity of the yorubaland and the unity of yorubaland must start with the unity of the yoruba traditional rulers because of the traditional rulers are united, the political class will not be able to manipulate us.”
According to Ladoja, the Ooni had expressed support for him to ascend the Olubadan throne as far back as four years ago, noting that while the timing then was not right, divine destiny had now prevailed.
He added, “He wanted me to become Olubadan four years ago, but I told him then that it is only God who places one on the throne at the rightful time. Today, I am grateful to God and also to Kabiyesi Ooni for standing by me in my most trying times.”
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