Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that unity among Yoruba traditional rulers is sacrosanct and non-negotiable.
He said, for the Yoruba race to move forward and assert its rightful position in the royal committee of nations, there is a need for all traditional rulers in the race to unite and speak with one voice.
The Olubadan-designate made these assertions when he received the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his Bodija, Ibadan residence on Sunday.
Oba Ladoja, a former federal lawmaker and former governor of Oyo, said there is need for the traditional rulers in Yorubaland to close ranks and move forward, adding that nothing good can be achieved in the absence of unity, peace and tranquility.
The Olubadan-designate expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ile Ife and his entourage for the unique royal congratulatory visit to him, despite his tight schedules.
He enjoined all traditional rulers in and outside Ibadanland, Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes to give him maximum and needed support to successfully navigate the traditional journey he is embarking upon.
“There should be no division and rancour among us in order to promote and preserve cultural, socio-economic and peaceful co-existence in Yorubaland as well as Nigeria as a whole.
“Nothing meaningful can be achieved where there is division, acrimony and the pollution of our cultural heritages and values as Yoruba people having their distinct culture with its traits of mode of language, mode of dressing, festivals, religion, humility with bravery, diet, mutual respect for one and another and belief in peaceful co-existence, among others.
“I had served as politician, senator, governor, business manager. But now as the Olubadan with different experiences,” Oba Ladoja said as he sought the support of other traditional rulers, particularly the Ooni of Ile Ife, to see him through the royal journey.
Speaking earlier, the Ooni of Ife disclosed that he is fulfilled, witnessing the enthronement of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He noted that Oba Ladoja has, long time ago, awaited being enthroned as the Olubadan, adding that it is a thing of joy that his (Ladoja) becoming the next Olubadan is happening in their life time.
Ogunwusi emphasised that there is little or no difference between Ibadan and Ile-Ife, noting that many of his progenitors had lived in Ibadanland before their enthronement as Ooni of Ile Ife.
He added that Ibadan and Ile-Ife Ife have many things in common, including desire for unity, not only among the traditional rulers but also among sons and daughters of the Yoruba race, occupation, love for one another and desire to move Yorubaland forward.
The Ooni sought for the total support, advice, loyalty, prayers of all to see the Olubadan-designate through in his new assignment as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He later gave his royal blessings to Oba Ladoja, specifically praying for security, longevity of life, blessings, sound health and God’s protection, among others, for the Olubadan-designate.
The two traditional rulers later exchanged royal gifts as a symbol of loyalty, friendship and appreciation.
Oba Ogunwusi was accompanied by other royal fathers and several other important dignitaries from Ile-Ife.
The Ooni and his entourage were received at Oba Ladoja’s residence by some members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, mogajis, baales and Chief Dotun Sanusi and prominent Ibadan indigenes.
