Members of the executive of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), on Tuesday, paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland-designate, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Ladoja.
Recall that Oba Ladoja was recently nominated by kingmakers in Ibadanland and his nomination has been approved by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The CCII delegation was led by its President General, Chief (Barrister) Sulaimon Adeniyi Ajewole, who is also the Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland.
As contained in a release by the Olubadan Palace, on Thursday, they were received at the private residence of Oba Ladoja located at Ondo street, Bodija, Ibadan.
Receiving the CCII delegation, the Olubadan-designate expressed gratitude to the executive members of CCII as well as sons and daughters of Ibadan within and outside Nigeria.
He said the visit of Ibadan indigenes both at home and diaspora, as represented by CCII, was a symbol of loyalty, support and collaboration to jointly and collectively take Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole to an enviable and greater height.
Oba Ladoja noted that Ibadan belongs to all and, consequently, all hands must be on deck to justify the trust and confidence people reposed in Ibadan leaders.
“I know the needs of my people and I am fully prepared God’s willing to address them and also give priority attention to their needs particularly in the areas of peaceful co-existence, unity, economic emancipation, religious tolerance and promotion and preservation of Ibadan traditional and cultural heritage, among others,” the Olubadan-designate assured.
Earlier in his congratulatory message, the CCII President-General, Chief Ajewole registered the joy of Ibadan indigenes on the emergence of Senator Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He said: “We are happy to see you hale and hearty to take the mantle of Ibadan traditional leadership, now that people are yearning for a messiah who will improve their standard of living and take them to the Promised Land.
“We make bold to commend the choice of the new Olubadan as a well deserved by law, tradition, character and mental capacity. We pray for his longevity of life, sound health, progress, peace, and prosperity for Ibadanland during his reign.”
CCII is the umbrella body for all the socio-cultural groups of Ibadanland, home and abroad, committed to fostering unity, irrespective of the difference in religion and political leanings.
It also aimed at ensuring security of lives and property, facilitating economic, social, cultural and infrastructural development among others.”