*NNPP Chieftain Oguntoyinbo Condoles With Gov, Ibadan Indigenes
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
As activities rev up towards coronating a successor to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away last Monday, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has assured Nigerians that the Olubadan-elect, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, is hale and hearty.
The reaction despite rumours that Ladoja was away from the state on health grounds.
Oba Olakulehin,90, joined his ancestors about a week to his first anniversary on the throne.
The Council’s President General, Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, was reported to have paid a courtesy visit to Ladoja at his Lagos residence.
The visit was said to be part of consultations and preparations ahead of the formal coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The CCII president-general expressed delight at the warm reception and reaffirmed the commitment of Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad to ensuring a smooth and dignified transition of royal authority.
Chief Ajewole extended the goodwill of the entire Ibadan community to Oba Ladoja and took the opportunity to dispel rumours doing the round about the Olubadan-elect.
He said contrary to false reports, Oba Ladoja was “hale, hearty, and physically fit to ascend the prestigious throne of his forefathers. His vitality and clarity of purpose remain undiminished, and his wisdom and statesmanship continue to inspire the people of Ibadanland.”
The CCII president-general also commended the Olubadan-in-waiting for his unwavering love for Ibadan and his decades of service to its growth and development, both as a public servant and a traditional statesman.
He urged all sons and daughters of Ibadanland to stand united in this historic moment, emphasising the need for harmony, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a greater Ibadan under the reign of Oba Ladoja.
Ajewole offered prayers for the peace and prosperity of Ibadanland and called on all traditional chiefs, political leaders, youth groups, and residents to support the forthcoming coronation and to continue to promote the values of unity, dignity, and progress that the ancient city is known for.
“May Almighty God bless Ibadanland with enduring peace and may the reign of Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja usher in a new era of greatness for our beloved city,” he prayed.
Oguntoyinbo Mourns Late Oba
Meanwhile, condolence messages continued to pour in over the demise of Oba Olakulehin, with a chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the South-West, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, mourning the passing of the Olubadan.
Oguntoyinbo, in a statement he made available to journalists, expressed gratitude to God for granting the late Oba long life and peaceful reign on the throne.
He commiserated with the family of the monarch, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ibadan chiefs and the entire Ibadan citizens under the umbrella of CCII, saying the passing of Oba Olakulehin would continue to bring peace and development.
Oguntoyinbo recalled that the reign of the late Olubadan witnessed immense peace and developments, urging every Ibadan indigene and resident to take solace in his peaceful reign just as the NBPP stalwart wished for further developments under his successor.
The statement read,in part: “I mourn the passing of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1) who joined his ancestors on Monday.
“I want everyone to take solace in the peaceful reign of the late Olubadan.
“I pray that Ibadanland will continue to witness peace and developments. May the soul of Oba Olakulehin rest in perfect peace.”
