As he prepares for his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has assured the people of Ibadan of a reign marked by service, inclusivity and revival of the city’s past splendour.
In a recent interview, Oba Ladoja expressed his commitment to restoring Ibadan to its former status as the capital of the old Western Region, reviving its sense of pride and excellence. He emphasized that while many may already view the city as prosperous, he envisions an even greater Ibadan, one that remembers its roots and carries forth the legacy of peace, culture and communal unity.
Highlighting the value of inclusivity, Oba Ladoja said he plans to mobilize both indigenes and non-indigenes in Ibadan toward developmental processes. He cited examples of people who, though claiming not to be locals, have made significant contributions to the city, underscoring his belief that citizenship is more than origin, but spirit and service.
On matters of safety and community life, he reminisced about his childhood experiences when Ibadan was a place of freedom, where children could stroll around localities without fear. He lamented the rise in crime and pledged to work with traditional leaders like Mogajis and Baales, urging them to play active roles by living among their people and helping strengthen social bonds and local governance.
Oba Ladoja also expressed his desire to restore Ibadan’s welcoming nature. He spoke about making the city one that opens its arms to everyone, be it residents, visitors and long-time inhabitants, just as city lore recalls: “Ibadan ngba onile, o ngba alejo” (“Ibadan welcomes indigenes and strangers alike”). With this guiding vision, he hopes to recreate Ibadan as a vibrant, harmonious place where culture, integrity, and leadership thrive.
Credit: Nigeria Tribune
