Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has urged the soon-to-be crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ladoja, to keep his traditional duties separate from political activities.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo stressed that the throne of Ibadan requires humility, patience, tolerance, and divine guidance.
Words of wisdom for the new monarch
Obasanjo reminded Ladoja that traditional leadership carries great responsibility and should not clash with political authority.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate you, Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese. It is an exalted and responsible position to be 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. I wish you all the best and the grace, guide and direction of Almighty God,” Obasanjo said.
Coronation set for September 26
Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ladoja is scheduled to be officially crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The former president concluded his message by advising the incoming monarch to embrace patience and wisdom from different quarters to excel in his reign.