One of the contenders for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, Prince Ayobami Ladigbolu, has shared his experiences following his participation in the contest for the revered position.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, January 14, Ladigbolu congratulated Oba Abimbola Owoade, the newly crowned Alaafin, describing his emergence as divinely ordained.
He expressed his joy for the new king and emphasised that his ascension to the throne was God’s will.
Reflecting on his own journey during the race for the throne, Prince Ladigbolu expressed his disappointment that some of his initial supporters withdrew their backing, shifting allegiance to other candidates due to financial constraints.
Despite this, he expressed no bitterness, instead reflecting on the valuable lessons he learned from the experience.
“I learned the value of money in one’s life from the race for the crown of Alaafinate,” Ladigbolu wrote.
“Due to financial constraints, some of the people who first backed me later switched to another candidate. When I needed their help on the Alaafinate issue, those I had previously supported did the exact reverse for me. When it comes to the time to help me, those I have helped with their businesses ran away. I am not upset with them. I just took away some lessons for the future.”
Ladigbolu took a moment to thank the Agbonhin Sanda Oridota family and the larger Ladigbolu section of the Agunloye royal family for nominating and supporting him as a candidate for the throne.
In his message of congratulations to Oba Abimbola Owoade, Ladigbolu stated, “I congratulate Oba Aláàfin Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the new Àlàáfin of Ọ̀yọ́ town. He was chosen by God almighty. Ọba Akeem Abimbola Owoade has been destined to take the throne. I am happy for him. The entire Ladigbolu family felicitate with the new king. Congratulations. Kaabiesi.”
The prince also expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout the journey, including his siblings, wife, children, and other unnamed benefactors.
He also took the opportunity to praise his fellow royal contenders, particularly Prince Kolade Tunde Sanni Oladigbolu and Prince Muideen Adekunle Oladigbolu, whom he described as “blood brothers.”
In his final message, Prince Ladigbolu called on the people of Oyo to unite behind the new Alaafin, stating, “I urge the natives of Oyo town to support the new king. Contests for kingship are not without a few controversies. We should manage the controversy and support the new king to build a viable Ọ̀yo and Yorùbá land of our dream.”
With these words, Ladigbolu reiterated his commitment to the unity and progress of Oyo and called on the people to move forward together under the leadership of the newly installed Alaafin.
