Olubadan: Oba Ladoja’s Emergence Product Of Commitment To Service – Oke Ogun Elders

*Insist Ladoja’s team-spirit leadership style, exemplary integrity played role

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan

The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has described the emergence of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland as a product of commitment to service, team-spirit leadership style, perseverance and an exemplary integrity.

OCE on Tuesday while congratulating Oba Ladoja through its President, Otunba Bamidele Dada in a statement by its spokesperson, Comrade Jare Ajayi,
said the tenure of Oba Ladoja as Olubadan of Ibadanland will strengthen and enhance the relationship between Ibadan and Oke-ogun.

According to the Oke Ogun Elders Council, Oba Ladoja has gone through challenges that were capable of either crushing the chicken-hearted or frustrate him out of the fray”, it said.

“Going by the experiences of the former governor especially since he moved into the public arena as a community leader, activist and politician, he has gone through challenges that were capable of either crushing the chicken-hearted or frustrate him out of the fray”, it said.

OCE added, “But Oba Ladoja did not give up. Neither did he compromise his integrity even when he had his eyes set on the ultimate posts, first in Oyo State and then in Ibadanland.His calm demeanour, moderation, suavity, knack for navigating complex political and social situations are exemplary.

” The coincidence of the Oba’s installation with his 81st birthday and Nigeria’s 65th independence “is an indication that he was created for a purpose; service to humanity through leadership positions etc. Incidentally, a look at his trajectory clearly shown that even in his personal and business engagements, he demonstrated these qualities admirably”.

On the relationship existing between Oke-ogun and Ibadanland, OCE said there were eminent leaders who have served Ibadan creditably well whose roots were from Oke-ogun “in addition to some other ties that bind us together presently.

“In the light of this, we are hopeful that the reign of Oba Ladoja Arusa 1 will not only further smoothen the existing relationship between us, but foster a better consideration of and sensitivity to each other’s interests. This is with a view to ensuring that the two communities deal with each other fairly and justly”.

While congratulating the people of Ibadan, the council prayed that the enthronement of Oba Ladoja as Olubadan will consolidate the progress Ibadan has made and ensure that it continues to be a pride of the Yorubas.

“We pray that the image of Ibadan as a place where everyone can thrive will be sustained and enhanced. Congratulations Your Imperial Majesty”. The elders prayed.