Former governors of Ogun, Osun, and Ondo states – Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola, and Olusegun Mimiko – on Tuesday paid homage to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
Speaking during the visit, Daniel, who governed Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, said the team was in Ibadan to congratulate Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He described Ladoja as a statesman of many parts, recalling their days as contemporaries in the South-West governors’ forum.
“Ladoja is a great politician, a great businessman, a shipowner, and a great governor. The two of us had cooperative backgrounds among the five of us who were elected governors in the South-West region. When they wanted to capitalise banks, Ladoja’s contribution was so meaningful that it led to Wema Bank becoming a national bank,” Daniel said.
Mimiko, in his remarks, said the visit was to acknowledge Ladoja’s achievements and pay respect to his enduring legacy.
“We are here to congratulate him. His track record made us proud, and that is why we are his fans,” he noted.
Also speaking, former Osun governor, Aregbesola, stressed that the visit was strictly to honour the traditional ruler.
“We know Kabiyesi is now an old man, so no politics. We are just here to pay homage and to show our readiness to attend the coronation,” he said.
In his response, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude for the visit and urged his guests and well-wishers across the country to continue to pray for him.
“You should all pray for me because I’m overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries who have been coming to pay homage across Nigeria,” he said.
The former Oyo State governor is expected to be formally installed as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in the coming weeks.
