Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, ahead of his formal coronation scheduled for Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo offered royal prayers in Yoruba salutation, saying, “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese,” while stressing that the coronation was only a formality to a throne already spiritually ordained.
Speaking from New York, where he is attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Obasanjo advised the new monarch to separate politics from tradition, noting that his role requires humility, patience, tolerance, and wisdom.
“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed. Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership,” Obasanjo said.
Meanwhile, preparations for the coronation are in top gear. The organising committee set up by the Oyo State Government has announced the closure of major routes leading to Mapo Hall — Beere Junction, Born Photo Junction, Idi-Arere Junction, and Itamerin Junction — from 7:00 am on Friday.
The committee explained that the diversions were part of security measures ahead of the ceremony, which President Bola Tinubu has confirmed he will attend.
