The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to rise above tribal, religious, and political differences to foster love and unity for the development of the country.
Obi made this appeal on Sunday during a visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Speaking during the visit, Obi congratulated the former Oyo State governor on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing his appointment as a significant opportunity for impactful leadership.
“I’m here to pay my sincere respect to royalty, to the Olubadan-designate before the installation,” Obi said. “My visit is about Nigeria, about selfless leadership — leadership that is committed to turning our society around.”
He stressed the importance of national cohesion in confronting the country’s current challenges.
“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 added.
Obi also noted the strategic importance of Ibadan in Nigeria’s political, economic, and social history, and expressed confidence in Ladoja’s capacity to serve effectively, given his rich background as a senator, governor, and businessman.
“Ibadan is very central to the development of Nigeria. And as a former senator, governor, and business tycoon, he [Ladoja] will bring his wealth of experience to bear. I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria.”
Highlighting the city’s historical role in education and national unity, Obi cited the University of Ibadan as a symbol of academic excellence that has produced notable Nigerians from across the country.
Obi was accompanied during the visit by Labour Party chieftains, including the party’s 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Yunusa Tanko.
Oba Ladoja: “The time of glamour is gone”
In response, Oba Rashidi Ladoja described his elevation to the Olubadan throne as another opportunity for service, rather than one for ceremonial display.
“Many people erroneously believe that the throne is for glamour. The time of glamour is gone; in contemporary times, it is about service, what you have on the table for the people in society,” he said.
Lawmakers also pay homage
In a related development, two members of the House of Representatives — Sina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency) and Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency), both of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — also visited Oba Ladoja on Sunday.
Speaking after their visit, the lawmakers described the Olubadan-designate as a father figure and an influential leader in Nigeria.
“He is not just the Olubadan of Ibadanland, he is the Olubadan of Nigeria,” they said.
They revealed that Oba Ladoja had advised them to remain committed to good governance and never to disappoint their constituents.
“He told us to make sure we deliver and do well for our people. Those are the things that we discussed.”
The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland is eagerly anticipated, as expectations rise for a new chapter of leadership rooted in experience, service, and unity.
