There is no other way to define how the trending, new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja emerged than to relate it to divinity and providence.
In addition to what those close to him are saying about his sincere love for his people, Oba Ladoja is one Nigerian who genuinely love the masses more than anything else.
A story is presently making the rounds about how he almost bought an on-going multinational business concern located in Ibadan all because he did not want his people to be out of job.
Events leading to his emergence, events on the day and even days after his coronation can testify to the fact that he is a monarch with a difference.
For the first time, a sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria took time to be on ground personally to witness the coronation of an Olubadan. This may not happen anytime soon again in Ibadandland.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not only attend, he played major roles in making the day a remarkable one.
As if yielding grounds to well-meaning individuals who have been attempting to set agenda for him, Oba Ladoja kept reminding all that his major assignment is to see to the rapid growth and development of his sprawling cosmopolitan city.
Even, as a practising Muslim, he attended the Ascension of Christ Catholic Church, Bodija, Ibadan, on Sunday after he was installed where he made more promises.
The most noticeable promise he made had to do about his decision to carry out his duty as Olubadan with his major focus on driving socio-economic progress rather than merely regaling in his status as a first class monarch.
Definitely, the expectations are high. Many indigenes believe Oba Ladoja has the political and financial muscle to make the dream of the creation of Ibadan State a reality.
In addition, many are hopeful that he will use his status to rally round all Mogajis of the numerous ‘Agboles’ to eradicate land-grabbing, omo-oniles, street urchins popularly called ‘Area-Boys’.
Oba Ladoja is also popularly expected to lead in the area of making Ibadan the cleanest city in Nigeria. Most people believe he can work with both the state government under the able leadership of Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde who is also an Ibadanman and the 11 local government Chairmen to generate the political and psychological will to re-orientate residents to make individual decisions on environmental cleanliness.
Prayers are that the Almighty Creator will continue to grant the new monarch sound health, wisdom and understanding as he carries out his duties.
Long live Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria!
