Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and collective responsibility in building a better country.
Speaking during the visit, Obi congratulated Ladoja on his forthcoming coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the appointment as a testament to his years of service and leadership experience.
“I’m here to pay my sincere respect to royalty and to congratulate the Olubadan-designate before his installation. My visit is about Nigeria, about selfless leadership—leadership that is committed to turning our society around,” Obi said.
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political differences, stressing that unity and love were vital for national progress.
“Can we unite and love each other to build a better country? We have no other country except this one. We must all build it together for the benefit of everybody,” he urged.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, also highlighted the strategic importance of Ibadan to the political, social, and economic development of Nigeria. He expressed confidence that Ladoja’s rich experience as a former senator, governor, and business mogul would guide his reign effectively.
“Ibadan is central to the development of Nigeria. Ladoja has all it takes to succeed, and I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria,” Obi noted, adding that the University of Ibadan has produced leaders from all parts of the country.
In his response, Ladoja described his new role as a call to service rather than a position of glamour, promising to prioritize the welfare of the people.
“I see my appointment as Olubadan as another opportunity for service. The time of glamour is gone; in contemporary times, it is about what you have on the table for the people,” he stated.
Obi was accompanied by the Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, and Yunusa Tanko, among others.
Meanwhile, federal lawmakers Sina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Constituency) and Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Constituency), both of the Peoples Democratic Party, also visited the Olubadan-designate on Sunday to pay homage.
Speaking after their visit, they described Ladoja as a father figure who has played a pivotal role in their political journeys.
“We came here to pay homage to our Baba, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. He is a big man in Nigeria,” Oyedeji said.
“He advised us to do well for our people, not to disappoint them, and to ensure we deliver on our mandates,” Adepoju added.
Both lawmakers emphasized that their visit was to honor Ladoja’s legacy and show early support ahead of his coronation.
