Mogaji Olukusa Agbeni Amunigun, Alhaji Chief Sheriff Ibrahim Akano Adetunji, has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, Olubadan of Ibadanland, on the occasion of his first anniversary on the throne and his 82nd birthday.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of his family, the Olukusa Agbeni Amunigun Mogaji household and the people of Ibadanland, Chief Adetunji described the milestone as a significant occasion worthy of celebration.
He commended Oba Ladoja for the wisdom, experience, humility and courage he has brought to the traditional institution in his first year on the throne.
Chief Adetunji particularly praised what he described as the reforms introduced by the Olubadan in the traditional chieftaincy promotion system, saying the new approach had brought greater fairness, transparency and merit into the process.
He explained that, before the present reign, aspiring chiefs seeking promotion from the rank of Mogaji to Jagun and other higher traditional positions were often perceived to require significant financial influence or resources to advance through the hierarchy.
According to him, the situation has changed under the leadership of Oba Ladoja, as aspiring chiefs are now expected to formally apply for promotion and demonstrate their contributions to their communities and to the development of Ibadanland, alongside other relevant criteria.
“Under His Imperial Majesty, the process has changed. You are required to write a letter of application and state clearly what you have done in your community, what you have contributed to Ibadanland and other things that qualify you for promotion. This is a welcome development because it places emphasis on service and contribution,” he said.
Chief Adetunji said the reform had given deserving Mogajis and other traditional title holders greater confidence that their contributions to society would be recognised in the consideration of their advancement.
According to him, such a system would encourage more traditional title holders to become actively involved in community development and the advancement of Ibadanland.
Chief Adetunji noted that Oba Ladoja’s background as a respected elder statesman and former Governor of Oyo State has given the monarch valuable experience and a deep understanding of the history, culture and aspirations of Ibadanland.
He said the Olubadan’s reign had further strengthened the dignity and relevance of the Olubadan institution while promoting peace, unity and development among the people of Ibadanland.
He said the monarch’s 82nd birthday was an opportunity to celebrate a life dedicated to service and remarkable contributions to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.
“At 82, His Imperial Majesty has every reason to thank Almighty God for a life of service, achievement and remarkable contributions to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria,” he said.
Chief Adetunji also described Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the Olubadan throne as not only a personal honour but a blessing to the ancient city of Ibadan and its people.
He prayed that Almighty God would continue to grant the monarch good health, wisdom and strength, while giving him many more years of fruitful service on the throne.
He further prayed that the reign of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, would continue to witness peace, progress, unity and greater development across Ibadanland.
“His Imperial Majesty, congratulations on your first anniversary on the throne and your 82nd birthday. Long live His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I. Long live Ibadanland,” Chief Adetunji said.
