Following the public declaration of acceptance to accept and wear the beaded crown to become an Oba in line with the amended Chiefs Laws of Oyo state, prominent elders of Ibadanland have paid the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan and former governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja a joint courtesy visit to appreciate him for such courageous move.
The elders on the joint visit are the Aare of Ibadanland, Aare Dawud Makanjuola, Asiwaju of Ibadan; Chief Bode Amoo, president of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); Barrister Wole Ajewole, Babaloja General of Oyo state; Alhaji Y. K. Abass, president of all the Mogajis of Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiiyu Ariori and others.
It would be recalled that the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde had also visited the elderstatesman at his Ondo Street, Bodija private residence yesterday for the first time after a protracted speculation about a possible strayed relationship between the duo.
The visit according to Aare Makanjuola, who spoke on behalf of the highpowerered delegation of Ibadan elders on the visit was to express their appreciation to High Chief Ladoja who is currently the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, and to acknowledge his enduring contributions to the development of Ibadanland and Oyo state at large.
Aare Makanjuola, a well-respected business mogul in and philanthropist who is also the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, equally lauded Ladoja’s virtues and enduring legacies in and outside of Oyo’s political landscapes and traditional institution as a whole.
In his response, High Chief Ladoja stated that he accepted to wear the beaded crown since it’s the wish of the people of Ibadanland. He added that contrary to media speculations, his relationship with governor Makinde remains cordial.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after meeting with High Chief Ladoja, Chief Bode Amoo expressed joy and happiness over the new development and assured of continuous cohesion in Ibadanland.
Other notable personalities on the delegation are the Chairperson of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Kemi Olaitan, Aare in-council, executive members of CCII, and others.