The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged residents of Ibadan to uphold the long-standing tradition of peaceful co-existence that defines the ancient city, stressing the importance of unity across all divides.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ladoja gave the advice during a meeting with the Council of Traditional Baales in Ibadanland, held on Wednesday at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the monarch-in-waiting, represented by the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Adewoyin, called on all residents to continue promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, regardless of language, religion, or ethnic background.
“Ibadanland is known to enjoy peaceful co-existence irrespective of differences in language, religion, and tribe. I, therefore, urge you all to remain peaceful and be your brothers’ keepers,” the Olubadan-designate said.
He also appealed for the prayers and support of all stakeholders in the city to ensure progress and stability across Ibadan and the larger Oyo State.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, the President of the Council, Oladapo Atilola, said the Baales came to pay homage and offer condolences following the recent death of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, while also pledging loyalty to Ladoja.
Atilo said, “We are here to celebrate the departure of an achiever, a peace-loving and philanthropic monarch, the late Oba Olakulehin, and to heartily welcome the incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“We also use this opportunity to showcase our loyalty to the Olubadan-designate and to assure him of our unalloyed allegiance.”
Dignitaries present at the gathering included Senior Chief Lekan Alabi (Maye of Olubadan); Chief Monsur Arulogun (Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland); Chief Wasiu Aladorin (Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland); as well as prominent Mogajis such as Muktar Gbadeyanka, Abass Oloko, Nurudeen Akinade, Olasomi Ademola, and Tonade Owoade.
It is worth noting that Oba Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, at the age of 90, was widely regarded as a unifying figure and a monarch who prioritised development and peace in Ibadanland.
Ibadan now prepares for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja with the city’s traditional institutions setting ground for the installation of another monarch on the ancient stool.