Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Mogaji Olukunle Isale-Afa, Ibadan, has described the first year of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as Olubadan of Ibadanland as a period of joy, greater visibility, respect and new opportunities for the ancient city.
Sanni, who is the Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NISPRI), stated this while reflecting on the monarch’s first anniversary on the throne and his 82nd birthday anniversary.
According to him, the past year has brought renewed attention and opportunities to Ibadanland, describing the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Oba Ladoja’s coronation as a historic moment and an indication of the significance attached to the monarch’s emergence.
“God be the glory. We are grateful to God Almighty for providing us with His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I,” Sanni said, adding that the monarch’s first year had been characterised by “joy, happiness, respect, visibility for Ibadanland, and opportunities for Ibadan as a whole.”
He also commended Oba Ladoja for bringing greater sanity to the traditional institution, particularly through the elevation and appointment of Mogajis to higher positions within the traditional hierarchy.
Sanni further highlighted the monarch’s interest in agriculture, noting that Oba Ladoja had encouraged Ibadan sons and daughters to invest in agriculture and had supported the promotion of local agricultural production through the launch of Garri Ibadan.
He also pointed to the successful Ibadan Cultural Week organised during the period, describing it as an avenue capable of generating economic opportunities for residents.
According to him, the cultural activities attracted visitors and members of the diaspora, while food vendors, traders and hoteliers benefited from the increased economic activity.
Sanni said the development demonstrated that Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage could be transformed into a sustainable economic asset.
Reflecting on Oba Ladoja’s 82nd birthday, the professor prayed for long life and good health for the monarch, stressing that the Olubadan had accumulated considerable experience and had made sacrifices throughout his years of public service.
He said Oba Ladoja was now using his wealth of experience to contribute to the development of Ibadanland.
“Puritans in leadership positions are extremely hard to come by. Perfectionists, or those who have worked hard and attained leadership positions without taking quick routes, are rare to come by,” Sanni said.
He added that Ibadanland was currently benefiting from the monarch’s experience and described this as a significant and enduring legacy.
Sanni therefore prayed that Oba Ladoja would live long in good health and continue to lead Ibadanland to greater heights.
“Right now, all he’s doing is using his knowledge and experience to give back to the community,” he said.
