Obasanjo congratulates Ladoja ahead of coronation as Olubadan

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has congratulated the 44th Olubadan-designate, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, ahead of his formal coronation scheduled for Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a statement issued today by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo extended his royal felicitations, praying in Yoruba, “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese,” which means “May your reign be long and prosperous.”

The former president, who is currently in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, described the coronation as “a formality,” noting that Ladoja had already assumed the responsibilities of the throne.

Obasanjo advised the new monarch to distinguish between tradition and politics, stressing that the Olubadan stool demands humility, patience, and tolerance.

“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed,” he stated.

The former president further prayed for divine guidance for the new Olubadan, adding, “Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guide, and direction of Almighty God.”