A club, the IBILE G-7 of Ibadan, has described Oba (Senator) Rashidi Ladoja as an unusual personality and an incontestable enigma in Ibadanland.
The club stated this in a statement by its President and Secretary, Messrs Lanre Ogundipe and Olajide Laniyonu, respectively, to congratulate the former governor of Oyo State on his 80th birthday.
Quoting the famous literary icon, Williams Shakespeare, IBILE G-7 stated: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
It thus stated that the expression by Shakespeare “aptly captures the frame of this unique personae known as RAL, an incontestable enigma in Ibadanland at a ripe age of 80. Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a man of many parts.”
IBILE G-7 further describes Oba Ladoja as “a lover of the people, an unrepentant traditionalist, accomplished politician, cultural ambassador of Ibadanland, a business mogul with a midas touch, and octogenarian with a youth-like strength.
“Oba Ladoja, a man blessed with uncommon wisdom, a repertoire of knowledge and a consummate traditionalist, gifted with rare understanding of his environment and people. The IBILE G-7 of Ibadan salute you on this momentous occasion of your 80 years birthday.”
The leaders of IBILE G-7 stated in the statement that before Oba Ladoja’s attainment of this milestone, he had distinguished himself in every sphere of life.
The Club stated that the relationship of Oba Ladoja with his people has been marked with utmost cordiality and deep understanding.
“The former governor was loved by the highs and the lows. He is respected in the community as an elder statesman with unparalleled integrity and uncommon candour as an oba in Ibadanland.
“The unmatched wisdom with which he discharged the tasks assigned him by the Olubadan stool, endeared him to the rich and poor in the society. Ladoja maintained his dignity and commands respect as the Head of the Kingmaker,” it added.
The IBILE G-7 applauds him for his brilliance as a first-class chief and as member of the inner caucus of Egbe-Agba, the traditional council of chief.
The Club noted that Oba Ladoja has demonstrated enough strength as a custodian of Ibadan tradition, culture and history with the belief that the ancient city of Ibadan will never play second fiddle to any part of Yorubaland.
“Though regarded as controversial due to his principled stance on issues, Oba Ladoja postures as a foremost gate-keeper of Ibadan traditions and culture -which unarguably, he holds in high esteem and fully committed to maintaining its sanctity.
“Once again, on this momentous occasion of his 80th birthday, we of the IBILE G-7 hail this hero of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
