Former Oyo State governorship aspirant and educationist, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK), has described the simultaneous celebration of the 82nd birthday anniversary and coronation anniversary of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as two monumental milestones that speak clearly to the abundant grace, mercy, and divine favour Almighty God has continuously bestowed upon Kabiyesi.
Kareem, in his message to mark the twin celebrations, said the life journey of the Olubadan remains a compelling story of resilience, distinguished service, and divine destiny fulfilled, inspiring generations across Oyo State and Nigeria.
According to him, “Celebrating these two monumental milestones simultaneously speaks clearly to the abundant grace, mercy, and divine favour Almighty God has continuously bestowed upon Kabiyesi. His life journey remains a compelling story of resilience, distinguished service, and divine destiny fulfilled, inspiring generations across Oyo State and Nigeria.”
He described Kabiyesi’s era on the exalted throne of Ibadanland as truly defining, saying it has brought unmatched dignity, wisdom, and prestige to the traditional institution.
Kareem noted that long before his coronation, Oba Rashidi Ladoja was a deeply desired and eagerly anticipated monarch whose leadership the good people of Ibadanland prayed for.
He said Oba Rashidi Ladoja had remarkably ticked every box of distinguished public leadership, having honourably served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, an accomplished Executive Governor of Oyo State, and now the supreme custodian of Ibadan heritage.
According to him, the monarch’s reign is midwifing a golden era of great physical transformation, socio-economic prosperity, and enduring peace across the entire metropolis.
“Beyond the crown, Kabiyesi stands tall as a titan of progress whose sterling antecedents make him a worthy, dependable role model and a foundational pillar of our traditional and political institutions,” Kareem stated.
He added that old age had favoured the monarch immensely with vibrant health, exceptional clarity of mind, and an extraordinary capacity for consensus-building.
According to Kareem, the Olubadan’s fearless commitment to truth, justice, and the welfare of the common man continues to illuminate the path for emerging leaders.
“Ibadanland is immensely blessed to have a monarch whose vast experience in governance, business, and community service is actively driving the sustainable growth of our capital city,” he said.
Kareem said the twin landmark celebrations were being marked with so much pride, while offering his fervent prayers that Almighty God would continue to grant His Imperial Majesty abundant health, heavenly wisdom, and long life on the throne of his ancestors.
He also prayed that the peaceful and prosperous atmosphere currently defining Ibadanland would endure throughout the Olubadan’s glorious reign.
“Kábíyèsí, adé a pẹ́ lórí, bàtà a pẹ́ lẹ́sẹ̀, ẹ̀ṣin ọba a jẹko pẹ́.
“Long live the Olubadan of Ibadanland, long live Ibadanland, and may peace continue to reign supreme in Oyo State,” Kareem prayed.
