Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has dismissed rumours that his visit to President Bola Tinubu alongside other traditional rulers from Oyo State was politically motivated, insisting the delegation’s sole purpose was to express gratitude over the release of abducted students and teachers and to appeal for federal road repairs.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, and made available to newsmen on Thursday, the paramount ruler addressed speculation that the visit—conducted without the consent of Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde—was intended to weaken the governor’s political base.
The Olubadan, who also serves as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, explained that the delegation visited President Tinubu to thank him for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers from Oriire, and to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling the deplorable condition of federal roads across the state.
“On the recent release of abducted teachers and students in Oriire from captivity, Oba Ladoja stated that even though they did not doubt the capacity of the Nigerian security operatives to deliver, there were fears over the possibility of the victims’ recovery at some point. This is why we believe that the efforts of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all stakeholders are commendable,” the statement read.
Roads Key to Regional Development
The monarch noted that the visit was also aimed at appreciating the administration’s intervention on federal roads linking Ibadan and Oyo State with neighbouring states. These include the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, the dualisation of the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, and the Badagry-Sokoto Road through the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas.
Oba Ladoja said the roads, when completed, would open up many towns and villages along the corridor and stimulate economic activity in the region.
Traditional Rulers in Attendance
The traditional rulers who accompanied the Olubadan included the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; and the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Also present were the Alajawa of Ajawa, Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief S. Otolorin, who represented the Soun of Ogbomoso; and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan.
The Olubadan’s clarification comes amid heightened political sensitivities in Oyo State, where the relationship between the state government and some traditional institutions has drawn public scrutiny in recent months.
